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White Peak
Ronan Frost's White Peak is a fast-paced action thriller full of death-defying adventure.
Greg Rask, a dying tech billionaire, has invested millions chasing miracle cures. None of them are worth a damn, but he refuses to give up. Now, he’s gathering a team willing to go to the ends of the earth chasing life.
Each of Rask's crew has beaten incredible odds to rise from the ashes of their old lives to where they are now. Together, their next task is to retrieve a painting that is believed to hide a map which, if genuine, marks it as a treasure of the Ahnenerbe, the occult wing of the SS, who had devoted dozens of expeditions in search of the three cintamani stones for their combined properties, and the lost city where they were rumored to lay hidden: Shambhala. But a mystical brotherhood sworn to protect the secrets of the ancients—the same secrets that allow its members to defy death—will stop at nothing to ensure that Rask’s crew fail.
In an adrenalin-pumping quest through some of the most savage terrains known to man, the crew will be pushed to the limits of endurance and beyond.
Greg Rask, a dying tech billionaire, has invested millions chasing miracle cures. None of them are worth a damn, but he refuses to give up. Now, he’s gathering a team willing to go to the ends of the earth chasing life.
Each of Rask's crew has beaten incredible odds to rise from the ashes of their old lives to where they are now. Together, their next task is to retrieve a painting that is believed to hide a map which, if genuine, marks it as a treasure of the Ahnenerbe, the occult wing of the SS, who had devoted dozens of expeditions in search of the three cintamani stones for their combined properties, and the lost city where they were rumored to lay hidden: Shambhala. But a mystical brotherhood sworn to protect the secrets of the ancients—the same secrets that allow its members to defy death—will stop at nothing to ensure that Rask’s crew fail.
In an adrenalin-pumping quest through some of the most savage terrains known to man, the crew will be pushed to the limits of endurance and beyond.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2019
8 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 31, 2019
Imagine listening to your wife's murder over the phone. This is what Rye has to deal with, and finds himself in a downwards spiral afterwards. Hope comes to the rescue, in this case a dying billionaire after Rye's unique set of skills, offering him a second chance. For this billionaire has assembled a team to go to look for the elixir of life, philosopher's stone or what ever you want to call it. Does it exist? They don't really know, but hey, let's go looking for it anyway.
So, we embark on a rollercoaster action adventure, starting in America, going through Europe, then onto the Himalayas. All the time being chased by the baddies, so obviously something they are after must be real! We then come to the astonishing conclusion. I say astonishing because that's exactly how I felt about it. I mean really? That's the best ending the author could come up with? I felt a bit duped at the end.
For the most part though it was a fun book to read, and although I'm not good with the ending, it was quite enjoyable. I recommend this book to lovers of action-adventure, who don't mind endings based on total fantasy.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So, we embark on a rollercoaster action adventure, starting in America, going through Europe, then onto the Himalayas. All the time being chased by the baddies, so obviously something they are after must be real! We then come to the astonishing conclusion. I say astonishing because that's exactly how I felt about it. I mean really? That's the best ending the author could come up with? I felt a bit duped at the end.
For the most part though it was a fun book to read, and although I'm not good with the ending, it was quite enjoyable. I recommend this book to lovers of action-adventure, who don't mind endings based on total fantasy.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2019
This was such a fun read! Part Indiana Jones adventure, part alien space opera, and possibly a sequel? A very different thriller for sure!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
May 18, 2019
You can't refuse from Greg Rask, a dying billionaire. Rye gets a second chance, and together, with other people that have also been given a second chance by Rask, he is now on a hunt for a miracle cure. Something that will give Rask his own second chance. There is a painting that is said to have a hidden map that will lead to a lost city, Shambhala. But, there are also those out there that will do anything to stop them from finding the city.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
August 7, 2019
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Ronan Frost for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review of White Peak. My opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.
Ryerson McKenna has just been through the worst tragedy imaginable. His wife was at the mall when a gunman opened fire. Ryerson was on the phone with her through the whole ordeal. She died while he listened, unable to do a thing about it. He fell into a deep depression and not caring whether he lived or died. One day he meets a strange man, with an even stranger offer. Greg Rask, a dying billionaire, has offered a chance for Ryerson to be alone with his wife’s killer for a night. He can exact his revenge any way he wants, but afterward, Ryerson has to work for Rask.
Rask wants Ryerson’s mountain climbing skills for a very special job. Rask has put together a team of specialists to find what he thinks is a cure for his disease. Something that the Nazis discovered and hid away. The team follows clues hidden in a painting that takes them all over the world. The clues lead them to the ancient and magical land of Shambhala. It will be a treacherous journey, made more dangerous by the mystical brotherhood, who have sworn to keep the secret buried.
This was a great adventure story. The way Ryerson gets pulled into this crazy man’s last-ditch effort to avoid dying is a perfect way to kick it off. Each member of the team has their own unique and interesting backstory. They are all specialists of some sort and all a little crazy. They are completely loyal to Rask, having had a personal tragedy that Rask somehow “fixed” for them. They go from one end of the world to the other. The action is exciting and the locations exotic. I was very caught up in this story and read this one straight through. I liked the characters. They had depth and developed nicely as the story advanced. It was similar to an Indiana Jones type adventure, with the Nazis and mysticism. The brotherhood was the perfect bad-guy foil against the team trying to find this magic cure. Ryerson, with his personal demons, made you sympathetic to what he was going through.
I just really enjoyed this one. It was exciting, it was suspenseful, had a lot of heart and was so much fun. It has all the elements of a good story and has something for everyone!
Ryerson McKenna has just been through the worst tragedy imaginable. His wife was at the mall when a gunman opened fire. Ryerson was on the phone with her through the whole ordeal. She died while he listened, unable to do a thing about it. He fell into a deep depression and not caring whether he lived or died. One day he meets a strange man, with an even stranger offer. Greg Rask, a dying billionaire, has offered a chance for Ryerson to be alone with his wife’s killer for a night. He can exact his revenge any way he wants, but afterward, Ryerson has to work for Rask.
Rask wants Ryerson’s mountain climbing skills for a very special job. Rask has put together a team of specialists to find what he thinks is a cure for his disease. Something that the Nazis discovered and hid away. The team follows clues hidden in a painting that takes them all over the world. The clues lead them to the ancient and magical land of Shambhala. It will be a treacherous journey, made more dangerous by the mystical brotherhood, who have sworn to keep the secret buried.
This was a great adventure story. The way Ryerson gets pulled into this crazy man’s last-ditch effort to avoid dying is a perfect way to kick it off. Each member of the team has their own unique and interesting backstory. They are all specialists of some sort and all a little crazy. They are completely loyal to Rask, having had a personal tragedy that Rask somehow “fixed” for them. They go from one end of the world to the other. The action is exciting and the locations exotic. I was very caught up in this story and read this one straight through. I liked the characters. They had depth and developed nicely as the story advanced. It was similar to an Indiana Jones type adventure, with the Nazis and mysticism. The brotherhood was the perfect bad-guy foil against the team trying to find this magic cure. Ryerson, with his personal demons, made you sympathetic to what he was going through.
I just really enjoyed this one. It was exciting, it was suspenseful, had a lot of heart and was so much fun. It has all the elements of a good story and has something for everyone!
March 4, 2019
White Peak by Ronan Frost (not the author's real name) was a very fun, very fast read. The book is centered around that of Rye McKenna. It was Rye's tragic misfortune to witness his wife being murdered in an attack on a mall by several gunmen. Feeling lost and unsure of all that matters, Rye is contacted be a reclusive millionaire who asks him if he would like a second chance. Unknown to Rye, the killer of his wife is alive and being sent to prison contrary to all reports that all of the shooters had been killed. Rye through the machinations of Rask, the millionaire is given a chance to be in lockup with his wife's killer and unwatched. If he wants, vengeance is his.
After his prison adventure, Rye is taken to Rask's Mansion fortress where he meets others who have been given a second chance , all loyal to the old man. It appears that Rask is dying and he feels the only thing that can save him is the mythological story of Shambala and the Cintamari stone.
Rask asks Rye to join the others in trying to see if there is any reality to the legends and stories, as Rye has been a world class climber, his skills would be invaluable in the harsh climate of the Tibetan mountains.
Through exotic locales and a seemingly un-killable killer chasing them the action ratchets up to a cliff hanging ending.. with more to come.
White Peak is a good and Ronan Frost is a better version of Mathhew Reilly. Pure escapist fiction.
After his prison adventure, Rye is taken to Rask's Mansion fortress where he meets others who have been given a second chance , all loyal to the old man. It appears that Rask is dying and he feels the only thing that can save him is the mythological story of Shambala and the Cintamari stone.
Rask asks Rye to join the others in trying to see if there is any reality to the legends and stories, as Rye has been a world class climber, his skills would be invaluable in the harsh climate of the Tibetan mountains.
Through exotic locales and a seemingly un-killable killer chasing them the action ratchets up to a cliff hanging ending.. with more to come.
White Peak is a good and Ronan Frost is a better version of Mathhew Reilly. Pure escapist fiction.
May 24, 2019
Frost excels in many types of writing: Building the distinct mythos of the mysterious object of desire. The fighting scenes, from icy mountain tops to dirty back alleys. The details of outdoor adventure, climbing and survival. Each setting is described with a great skill of blending the characters with the enemy and their surroundings.
In a chilling opening scene, Rye feeds quarters in a pay phone as he tries to talk his wife out of the desperate situation of being in the middle of a mass shooting. Trauma is shared by the members of the crew. Each have returned from a pain, and now have each other to depend on.
An Indiana Jones for the modern times… A riveting pace and several plot twists that were nowhere near my predictions make White Peak the thrilling first book in a promising new series to follow.
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/05/20/wh...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
In a chilling opening scene, Rye feeds quarters in a pay phone as he tries to talk his wife out of the desperate situation of being in the middle of a mass shooting. Trauma is shared by the members of the crew. Each have returned from a pain, and now have each other to depend on.
An Indiana Jones for the modern times… A riveting pace and several plot twists that were nowhere near my predictions make White Peak the thrilling first book in a promising new series to follow.
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/05/20/wh...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
May 21, 2019
**DNF**
I would compare “White Peak” to an action movie but in writing, with short chapters filled with treasure hunts, escape plans, chases, and art heists. I felt detached from the characters and didn’t think any of them really stood out that much, even though the beginning was a great start to the novel! I would classify this as more of an action/adventure novel rather than a thriller. In the end I just couldn’t make myself care about the plot or characters so I did not finish this novel.
I would compare “White Peak” to an action movie but in writing, with short chapters filled with treasure hunts, escape plans, chases, and art heists. I felt detached from the characters and didn’t think any of them really stood out that much, even though the beginning was a great start to the novel! I would classify this as more of an action/adventure novel rather than a thriller. In the end I just couldn’t make myself care about the plot or characters so I did not finish this novel.
March 27, 2019
Who Knew A Fictional Character Could Write This Well? In this debut work by fictional character Ronan Frost, we get a solid action/ adventure tale of a man haunted by being on the other end of the phone when his wife is killed in a mass shooting being recruited to find a mysterious map for one of the world's wealthiest men. The action is taut, the mystery is compelling, and the locations include some rarely if ever used in novels before. Truly an outstanding work. Particularly for a fictional character.
Here's hoping we get a sequel from this new author far faster than we got the sequel he appears in. ;)
Here's hoping we get a sequel from this new author far faster than we got the sequel he appears in. ;)
May 21, 2019
This was definitely a page turner! Action, adventure, sci-fi, myths, legends and history all in one literary package.
To be honest, I didn’t pay attention to the writing all that much because I was engulfed in the story. The chapters are short and usually end with a cliff hanger so you HAVE to keep reading.
Within the first sentence you already feel for the main character, he goes through ups and downs and you don’t really blame him for the somewhat reckless choices he makes.
The other characters fit right into the suggested slots (the comedic relief, the muscle, the brainiac etc.) and you get attached to them.
This is so international! I mean you start in the midwest, travel to Scandinavia, fly to France, immediately go to Germany, head to Nepal then finally end in Bhutan.
The first 150 pages were such an adrenaline rush, the second half did slow down, but Frost still throws in some twists and turns.
As I was reading this-I kept thinking ‘this would be a great action movie!’ So Universal, MGM, Paramount-and all the other movie production companies out there, option this!
To be honest, I didn’t pay attention to the writing all that much because I was engulfed in the story. The chapters are short and usually end with a cliff hanger so you HAVE to keep reading.
Within the first sentence you already feel for the main character, he goes through ups and downs and you don’t really blame him for the somewhat reckless choices he makes.
The other characters fit right into the suggested slots (the comedic relief, the muscle, the brainiac etc.) and you get attached to them.
This is so international! I mean you start in the midwest, travel to Scandinavia, fly to France, immediately go to Germany, head to Nepal then finally end in Bhutan.
The first 150 pages were such an adrenaline rush, the second half did slow down, but Frost still throws in some twists and turns.
As I was reading this-I kept thinking ‘this would be a great action movie!’ So Universal, MGM, Paramount-and all the other movie production companies out there, option this!
May 16, 2019
The book blurb above would have you believe that the enigmatic billionaire Greg Rask is White Peak’s main protagonist. He’s not. Rask is just the bankroll; our hero is Rye McKenna a born adventurer who has been broken by a personal tragedy. Rask reaches out to McKenna, offering the young daredevil the chance at something new. The best way to describe McKenna? He feels like the modern-day equivalent of Indiana Jones. McKenna is that rare breed of indomitable hero who steadfastly refuses to ever give up.
The rest of the crew searching for Rask’s miracle cure are a ragtag bunch who all owe something, like McKenna, to their financial benefactor. If you’re planning on undertaking a globetrotting quest, it makes perfect sense to me to have the ultimate hacker, the sneakiest of sneak thieves, a deadly spy, and a weapons expert accompany you. I certainly would. Needless to say, all these respective individuals are at the top of their game. I’d be disappointed if it were otherwise. I think characters in action thrillers need to be a little larger than life. The one thing that sets this novel aside from others is the way Frost add an extra layer of depth to proceedings. It’s a nice counterpoint to all the swaggering bravado. Like McKenna, each of the people hired by Rask are being given a second chance at life. They have all hit rock bottom, and though they may be skilled at what they do, they are also all too human. I look forward to discovering more about their histories as the series continues. We learn about the event that led McKenna into Rask’s employ, but I suspect the other individuals in the group still have many of their own revelations to share.
The plot zips along from scene to scene. Short, punchy chapters guarantee you’ll hardly have time to pause for breath. I enjoyed it all. Action thrillers need to flow naturally and Frost nails it consistently. There is a section of the novel where McKenna finds himself completely alone, in distinctly unfamiliar territory, and the narrative briefly segues into something that is almost psychological horror. I particularly enjoyed this part of the story, the author does a great job of offering insight into how all the constant pressure of events grinds a protagonist down (mentally and physically). I may be a little sadistic but it’s always great fun when a writer really puts his characters through the ringer.
I was reminded a little of Steve Alten’s Domain trilogy. Things start off in a fairly straight forward fashion and then veer off into something far more mind-bending and cosmic. The ending of White Peak certainly offers some tantalising morsels of what we can expect in future novels. Blending together elements of science fiction and mythology with a solidly entertaining action tale really pays off.
To my mind, the most enjoyable action thrillers have to hit a specific set of criteria in order to work successfully – (1) Jetting between a host of exotic locales at a moment’s notice is a must (2) Your antagonists have to be suitably insidious. Nazis are always a good bet in that regard (3) This is probably the most important one. Time MUST be a factor, if we’re not (relatively speaking) a hair’s breadth away from a cataclysmic event, then I’m going to be hugely disappointed. The good news is Ronan Frost is keenly aware of all of this and White Peak delivers in every regard. Amidst the pages of the novel you are going to find treasure hunts, art heists, betrayal, revenge, death defying escapes, adrenaline fuelled chases and some suitably pithy one-liners. I ask you, what more could you ask for?
The rest of the crew searching for Rask’s miracle cure are a ragtag bunch who all owe something, like McKenna, to their financial benefactor. If you’re planning on undertaking a globetrotting quest, it makes perfect sense to me to have the ultimate hacker, the sneakiest of sneak thieves, a deadly spy, and a weapons expert accompany you. I certainly would. Needless to say, all these respective individuals are at the top of their game. I’d be disappointed if it were otherwise. I think characters in action thrillers need to be a little larger than life. The one thing that sets this novel aside from others is the way Frost add an extra layer of depth to proceedings. It’s a nice counterpoint to all the swaggering bravado. Like McKenna, each of the people hired by Rask are being given a second chance at life. They have all hit rock bottom, and though they may be skilled at what they do, they are also all too human. I look forward to discovering more about their histories as the series continues. We learn about the event that led McKenna into Rask’s employ, but I suspect the other individuals in the group still have many of their own revelations to share.
The plot zips along from scene to scene. Short, punchy chapters guarantee you’ll hardly have time to pause for breath. I enjoyed it all. Action thrillers need to flow naturally and Frost nails it consistently. There is a section of the novel where McKenna finds himself completely alone, in distinctly unfamiliar territory, and the narrative briefly segues into something that is almost psychological horror. I particularly enjoyed this part of the story, the author does a great job of offering insight into how all the constant pressure of events grinds a protagonist down (mentally and physically). I may be a little sadistic but it’s always great fun when a writer really puts his characters through the ringer.
I was reminded a little of Steve Alten’s Domain trilogy. Things start off in a fairly straight forward fashion and then veer off into something far more mind-bending and cosmic. The ending of White Peak certainly offers some tantalising morsels of what we can expect in future novels. Blending together elements of science fiction and mythology with a solidly entertaining action tale really pays off.
To my mind, the most enjoyable action thrillers have to hit a specific set of criteria in order to work successfully – (1) Jetting between a host of exotic locales at a moment’s notice is a must (2) Your antagonists have to be suitably insidious. Nazis are always a good bet in that regard (3) This is probably the most important one. Time MUST be a factor, if we’re not (relatively speaking) a hair’s breadth away from a cataclysmic event, then I’m going to be hugely disappointed. The good news is Ronan Frost is keenly aware of all of this and White Peak delivers in every regard. Amidst the pages of the novel you are going to find treasure hunts, art heists, betrayal, revenge, death defying escapes, adrenaline fuelled chases and some suitably pithy one-liners. I ask you, what more could you ask for?
June 5, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Do you deserve a second chance?"
From the very first sentence of the book -'Ryerson McKenna listened to his wife's death on the telephone' - I was hooked, and all the more so after the chapter had played out. This is a book for adrenalin junkies, unremitting in giving excitement after thrill via adventure. In fact, it is more like two books, the Indiana Jones adventure with additional adversaries of the earlier half which then morphs into the sinister and very creepy S.F. horror of the latter part.
After Rye's traumatic experience, he shambles through his life until he is recruited to join a small, select team put together by a billionaire benefactor who is, this time, trying to help himself: he is dying, desperate and has turned to an old prophesy, convinced that a painting holds the secret to finding part of a stone dropped by God's which has healing properties. He wants that painting and he wants that stone.
Rye's companions in the quest, two women and two other men, have all been selected for different qualities including a linguist and a thief, now retired, and their characters emerge slowly as the story progresses. The adventure starts immediately and explosively as the team first travels to Europe, with bullets flying and car chases following them around much of the world. Wherever they are, there is a good sense of the place and this becomes even more so once they reach the icy foothold of the Himalayas. Get ready to take deep breathes and reach for a woolly jumper. The surroundings become visceral, the reader's mind supplying the accompanying odours.
And just as the text is vibrantly written, narrator William Currie gives verbal power to the story, investing emotionally in what is written, further carrying the excitement along with the words and giving separate voice to each individual character. A fine performance, full of power but without going over the top.
My deep thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of White Peak. It was a terrific book to hear, from adventure story, through legends, Nazi archeological teams, aliens, science fiction, Armageddon, rock climbing and international geography. It even came to a satisfactory conclusion - though I think there might just be another book some time in the future. I hope so.
Recommended.
"Do you deserve a second chance?"
From the very first sentence of the book -'Ryerson McKenna listened to his wife's death on the telephone' - I was hooked, and all the more so after the chapter had played out. This is a book for adrenalin junkies, unremitting in giving excitement after thrill via adventure. In fact, it is more like two books, the Indiana Jones adventure with additional adversaries of the earlier half which then morphs into the sinister and very creepy S.F. horror of the latter part.
After Rye's traumatic experience, he shambles through his life until he is recruited to join a small, select team put together by a billionaire benefactor who is, this time, trying to help himself: he is dying, desperate and has turned to an old prophesy, convinced that a painting holds the secret to finding part of a stone dropped by God's which has healing properties. He wants that painting and he wants that stone.
Rye's companions in the quest, two women and two other men, have all been selected for different qualities including a linguist and a thief, now retired, and their characters emerge slowly as the story progresses. The adventure starts immediately and explosively as the team first travels to Europe, with bullets flying and car chases following them around much of the world. Wherever they are, there is a good sense of the place and this becomes even more so once they reach the icy foothold of the Himalayas. Get ready to take deep breathes and reach for a woolly jumper. The surroundings become visceral, the reader's mind supplying the accompanying odours.
And just as the text is vibrantly written, narrator William Currie gives verbal power to the story, investing emotionally in what is written, further carrying the excitement along with the words and giving separate voice to each individual character. A fine performance, full of power but without going over the top.
My deep thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of White Peak. It was a terrific book to hear, from adventure story, through legends, Nazi archeological teams, aliens, science fiction, Armageddon, rock climbing and international geography. It even came to a satisfactory conclusion - though I think there might just be another book some time in the future. I hope so.
Recommended.
May 18, 2019
Well what a ride this has been! I’ll start off by saying this isn’t the type of book I usually read and havn’t read many of but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The start of the book had a Mission Impossible feel which lead in to some Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones vibes with little rest in between. This book is very fast paced which kept me engaged the whole way and I found the writing style to be very easy reading, broken up by nice short chapters which I am always a fan of.
The main character we follow is Rye, a few months after hearing the death of his wife over the phone in a mass shooting he is on a downward spiral trying to find reasons to keep on going when he is approached by Vic and Rask who offer him a second chance at having a purpose, a reason to keep living. After being given an opportunity to avenge his wife’s death, Rye agrees to join the team to help Rask solve the hidden mysteries that may well lead to the only cure he has left to hope for.
The team travel all over Europe in fast paced action and mystery sequences where they soon realise they are being hunted by the same man that has already died, twice? Their adventure leads them on a treacherous mission climbing unclimbable mountains in search for something they’re not even sure exists, so what do they find? I found the whole reading experience enjoyable with so much action, twists and turns and needing to find out if they succeed and what awaits them within the mountain.
The book also addresses the biggest problems we face as humans and questions the reasons behind religion, war and humanity itself, asking the big questions like do we even deserve to keep surviving on a planet that we are ultimately destroying. Do we deserve redemption?
This book is adult so there are some graphic scenes of gore, violence and some body horror, I highly recommend this to anyone that wants to go on a wild ride adventure with some great characters and humor. I was more so impressed as this is the authors debut novel and I will certainly be picking up more of his work to read in the future and, hopefully, a sequel to White Peak.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for sending me an advance readers copy of this novel.
The main character we follow is Rye, a few months after hearing the death of his wife over the phone in a mass shooting he is on a downward spiral trying to find reasons to keep on going when he is approached by Vic and Rask who offer him a second chance at having a purpose, a reason to keep living. After being given an opportunity to avenge his wife’s death, Rye agrees to join the team to help Rask solve the hidden mysteries that may well lead to the only cure he has left to hope for.
The team travel all over Europe in fast paced action and mystery sequences where they soon realise they are being hunted by the same man that has already died, twice? Their adventure leads them on a treacherous mission climbing unclimbable mountains in search for something they’re not even sure exists, so what do they find? I found the whole reading experience enjoyable with so much action, twists and turns and needing to find out if they succeed and what awaits them within the mountain.
The book also addresses the biggest problems we face as humans and questions the reasons behind religion, war and humanity itself, asking the big questions like do we even deserve to keep surviving on a planet that we are ultimately destroying. Do we deserve redemption?
This book is adult so there are some graphic scenes of gore, violence and some body horror, I highly recommend this to anyone that wants to go on a wild ride adventure with some great characters and humor. I was more so impressed as this is the authors debut novel and I will certainly be picking up more of his work to read in the future and, hopefully, a sequel to White Peak.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for sending me an advance readers copy of this novel.
May 19, 2019
The first chapter gets your heart pumping, and the action is non-stop after that. Ronan Frost (aka Steven Savile) shows, once again, that his a master of his craft. White Peak reminds me of books written by Steve Berry or Dan Brown, the way historical fact is combined with religion and mysticism, is a great combination to me.
If you are a surface climber, or want to learn about this subject, that will be an additional bonus to your enjoyment of this book. I did think it was interesting, but after a bit, I will admit I did skim some. Especially when Frost was writing long equipment lists, or after a solid page or two of the climbing descriptions, because I wanted to get back to the action!
As far as character development, Frost did a great job, giving just enough to entice me in this book to want to learn more about the crew in, what is sure to be, a sequel. Some of the characters were more developed than others, but for a thriller, I have come to expect it.
The scenery and world building is where Frost really shined. The descriptions were so detailed in many spots that I felt as if I was actually there. And it made me want to travel more, to visit some of these locales. I don’t know if he’s actually ever been to some of these places, but Frost sure knows how to write like he has.
The one thing that I have to mention is the genre classification of Thriller. It definitely was a Thriller, but I would also classify it as Sci-Fi. I can understand the publishing company perhaps shying away from this for marketing reasons, since some people refuse to read Science Fiction. But I was really surprised when the book turned that direction, especially if you read the jacket blurb. I could see readers thinking there might be Supernatural or Mystical elements after reading the jacket cover, but not Sci-Fi. I still enjoyed it though, especially since I read Sci-Fi.
I highly recommend White Peak, and will pick up book two if this continues into a series.
If you are a surface climber, or want to learn about this subject, that will be an additional bonus to your enjoyment of this book. I did think it was interesting, but after a bit, I will admit I did skim some. Especially when Frost was writing long equipment lists, or after a solid page or two of the climbing descriptions, because I wanted to get back to the action!
As far as character development, Frost did a great job, giving just enough to entice me in this book to want to learn more about the crew in, what is sure to be, a sequel. Some of the characters were more developed than others, but for a thriller, I have come to expect it.
The scenery and world building is where Frost really shined. The descriptions were so detailed in many spots that I felt as if I was actually there. And it made me want to travel more, to visit some of these locales. I don’t know if he’s actually ever been to some of these places, but Frost sure knows how to write like he has.
The one thing that I have to mention is the genre classification of Thriller. It definitely was a Thriller, but I would also classify it as Sci-Fi. I can understand the publishing company perhaps shying away from this for marketing reasons, since some people refuse to read Science Fiction. But I was really surprised when the book turned that direction, especially if you read the jacket blurb. I could see readers thinking there might be Supernatural or Mystical elements after reading the jacket cover, but not Sci-Fi. I still enjoyed it though, especially since I read Sci-Fi.
I highly recommend White Peak, and will pick up book two if this continues into a series.
July 12, 2019
I loved this book! This is the first book by Ronan Frost, but I hope it's not the last! I would love to read more stories with this crew as they search out the great mysteries of this world and defy death at every turn.
The book grabs you from the very first sentences and doesn't let go until the very end. It reminded me a lot of characters and stories similar to Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, Mission Impossible, and The A Team. The action slows in spots, but revs back up quickly the next moment. Settle in for the ride of your life.
The characters in this book are great. Rye McKenna suffers one of the biggest heartaches imaginable to open the story. Then enters Greg Rask and his A Team. He needs Rye's particular skills to look for a cure for his dying body and the answer may just lie in the mystical world that the SS branch of the Nazis were chasing. This book is one big mystery that Rye and his team are trying to unravel to give Greg a chance at a longer life. I really like the path Rye is on throughout this book as he struggles to answer the ultimate question, is he worthy of a second chance?
Ronan Frost did a fantastic job with this story and I sure hope there are more coming involving Rye and this team. The characters were great and the way Ronan mixes the mystical mysteries with more grounded science was awesome to see unfold. If you enjoy thriller adventures, get this book. I was blown away by it and couldn't way to finish it. It's a longer read, but I was definitely a little sad for the adventure to end.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and my words are my own.
The book grabs you from the very first sentences and doesn't let go until the very end. It reminded me a lot of characters and stories similar to Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, Mission Impossible, and The A Team. The action slows in spots, but revs back up quickly the next moment. Settle in for the ride of your life.
The characters in this book are great. Rye McKenna suffers one of the biggest heartaches imaginable to open the story. Then enters Greg Rask and his A Team. He needs Rye's particular skills to look for a cure for his dying body and the answer may just lie in the mystical world that the SS branch of the Nazis were chasing. This book is one big mystery that Rye and his team are trying to unravel to give Greg a chance at a longer life. I really like the path Rye is on throughout this book as he struggles to answer the ultimate question, is he worthy of a second chance?
Ronan Frost did a fantastic job with this story and I sure hope there are more coming involving Rye and this team. The characters were great and the way Ronan mixes the mystical mysteries with more grounded science was awesome to see unfold. If you enjoy thriller adventures, get this book. I was blown away by it and couldn't way to finish it. It's a longer read, but I was definitely a little sad for the adventure to end.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and my words are my own.
May 25, 2019
White Peak is the first book I have ever read by either Ronan Frost or Steven Savile. It definitely starts out like a James Rollins, or Matther Reilly novel — as toted by the publisher.
The opening chapter is shocking. It pulls the reader right in. You immediately like and root for the main character, Ryerson McKenna. The curiosity behind the tale increases as readers are introduced to a mystical man. Greg Rask is dying. He has a map. The cure for his illness is out there.
Rask has put together a team. They will venture out on together with the hope of finding ancient answers that will prove beneficial to Rask, and others. Their journey starts with a bang. There are more people interested in finding what has been hidden.
The initial hunt has now become a dangerous race. Rye and his team have their work cut out for them. The truth has protectors. Those charged with keeping secrets safe will stop at nothing to ensure the safety and success of the what is hidden.
While the book takes some unexpected twists and turns at the end, I am overall thrilled with the tale. Frost’s writing is concise and smooth. He crafted a cool team of characters, and a likable hero in Rye. I look forward to exploring more books written by Frost (and perhaps more in this series — if there is time for more to happen, that is . . . )
Phillip Tomasso
Author of the crime novel YOU CHOOSE
and the supernatural horror novel WOMAN IN THE WOODS
The opening chapter is shocking. It pulls the reader right in. You immediately like and root for the main character, Ryerson McKenna. The curiosity behind the tale increases as readers are introduced to a mystical man. Greg Rask is dying. He has a map. The cure for his illness is out there.
Rask has put together a team. They will venture out on together with the hope of finding ancient answers that will prove beneficial to Rask, and others. Their journey starts with a bang. There are more people interested in finding what has been hidden.
The initial hunt has now become a dangerous race. Rye and his team have their work cut out for them. The truth has protectors. Those charged with keeping secrets safe will stop at nothing to ensure the safety and success of the what is hidden.
While the book takes some unexpected twists and turns at the end, I am overall thrilled with the tale. Frost’s writing is concise and smooth. He crafted a cool team of characters, and a likable hero in Rye. I look forward to exploring more books written by Frost (and perhaps more in this series — if there is time for more to happen, that is . . . )
Phillip Tomasso
Author of the crime novel YOU CHOOSE
and the supernatural horror novel WOMAN IN THE WOODS
May 24, 2019
Rounding this up from 3.5 stars. Received this book from the publisher for a free, unbiased review.
This was an action driven adventure thriller. The beginning was what really drew me in - what would a person do to get revenge? How do you redeem yourself after that? It was a capturing idea.
And then a rich benefactor, with a treasure hunt shows up. Find him a cure, with a help of unbelievably skilled team. The chase around the world, with very skilled assassins, a lot of drinking and bantering.
It did not feel like the first book, only because the rest of the team didn't seem new. They had history of their own, and it wasn't introduced or shared. It seemed like Rye (mc) had to prove himself to the rest of team, and be accepted into their fold. The characters were many, but they did not leave an impression.
It also lacked something for me in the middle. I found myself skimming some parts. The redeeming part, was the end. Probably the last 50 pages was what recaptured my interest. I didn't think that this is where this book was going. This had definite Tomb Raider/Indiana Jones vibes.
This book would definitely translate better on the screen, and I can see this as an action packed movie. I'm interested to see how the series continues (the book ended in kind of a cliffhanger) and how the characters grow/change.
This was an action driven adventure thriller. The beginning was what really drew me in - what would a person do to get revenge? How do you redeem yourself after that? It was a capturing idea.
And then a rich benefactor, with a treasure hunt shows up. Find him a cure, with a help of unbelievably skilled team. The chase around the world, with very skilled assassins, a lot of drinking and bantering.
It did not feel like the first book, only because the rest of the team didn't seem new. They had history of their own, and it wasn't introduced or shared. It seemed like Rye (mc) had to prove himself to the rest of team, and be accepted into their fold. The characters were many, but they did not leave an impression.
It also lacked something for me in the middle. I found myself skimming some parts. The redeeming part, was the end. Probably the last 50 pages was what recaptured my interest. I didn't think that this is where this book was going. This had definite Tomb Raider/Indiana Jones vibes.
This book would definitely translate better on the screen, and I can see this as an action packed movie. I'm interested to see how the series continues (the book ended in kind of a cliffhanger) and how the characters grow/change.
May 31, 2019
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
To begin. This book wasn't what I was expecting. It felt like a winding path through the woods, I could never quite see what was around the next turn. Some times I was intrigued. Other times I was disappointed.
I got the sense that this book was trying to be a lot of things. Stephen King one liners tied up in a slurry of conspirarcy theories and sprinkled with a few dashes of social commentary and topped with an obvious political agenda. I'm honestly still unsure how I feel about it.
However, if you enjoy a fast paced, heart pounding thriller, possess a propensity towards stories where the mediocre protagonist must save humanity and you ache for the adrenaline rusg that comes with a race against the clock climax then this might be the book for you.
Ultimately a great popcorn read. By no means favorite read of the year but if you are looking for something that you don't need to think too hard about this is definitely one you should pick up.
To begin. This book wasn't what I was expecting. It felt like a winding path through the woods, I could never quite see what was around the next turn. Some times I was intrigued. Other times I was disappointed.
I got the sense that this book was trying to be a lot of things. Stephen King one liners tied up in a slurry of conspirarcy theories and sprinkled with a few dashes of social commentary and topped with an obvious political agenda. I'm honestly still unsure how I feel about it.
However, if you enjoy a fast paced, heart pounding thriller, possess a propensity towards stories where the mediocre protagonist must save humanity and you ache for the adrenaline rusg that comes with a race against the clock climax then this might be the book for you.
Ultimately a great popcorn read. By no means favorite read of the year but if you are looking for something that you don't need to think too hard about this is definitely one you should pick up.
September 3, 2019
Steven Savile is a superiorly entertaining writer of prose fiction. Why am I telling you this if White Peak is by Ronan Frost? Because Savile is Frost, adopting this pseudonym for publishing wisdom reasons I have never really seen the wisdom of. But a superiorly entertaining writer of prose fiction by any other name…, right? White Peak is billed as a Thriller, and there certainly are thrills to be had. But it could just as well have been tagged an Action-Adventure novel, or a Supernatural Suspense novel, or a…, but, no, that would be a spoiler of sorts. Suffice it to say, no matter what genre you try to label White Peak it is a tale told with a sure and steady eye toward keeping the reader on board and holding on tight. My White Peak experience came via the audiobook and the very fine narration/performance of William Dufris. Dufris’ work here illuminates Savile’s prose, not so much making it come alive as proving how well-crafted and vital it is. Bravo Dufris! Bravo Frost! Bravo Savile!
August 16, 2020
Nicely written debut novel. It's billed as a thriller but for me it was more of a science fiction action adventure. I'm not that big on science fiction but reading one every once in awhile shakes my reading up in a good way. There were some graphic scenes and a few parts where I could have done without so much detail. That said, Frost paints a very vivid picture of the places the team, lead by Rye, go. His characters are well developed and have individual characteristics. Each has their own part and add to the whole.
What turned me off a bit is apparently this is going to be a series but there was no prior indication that is the direction of the book. This one came out in 2019 and there doesn't seem to be a second in the works which means the end of White Peak leaves readers hanging. And I'm not a fan of cliff hangers in books. Tell the story. Bring it to an end and don't leave pieces out there. That said, if there is a second...or given the four other possibles, four more books, I'll definitely pick them up.
What turned me off a bit is apparently this is going to be a series but there was no prior indication that is the direction of the book. This one came out in 2019 and there doesn't seem to be a second in the works which means the end of White Peak leaves readers hanging. And I'm not a fan of cliff hangers in books. Tell the story. Bring it to an end and don't leave pieces out there. That said, if there is a second...or given the four other possibles, four more books, I'll definitely pick them up.
May 23, 2019
Ryerson "Rye" McKenna lost his wife in a tragic mall shooting.
He is contacted by an intermediary for dying, wealthy businessman Greg Rask, asking him if he deserves a second chance. At first he says no.
Then he listens to the offer presented by Rask's representative, Guuleed.
He will be left alone in a cell with Matthew Langley, the shooter in prison who killed his wife, to do whatever he wants.
After that, he may decide to join Rask's team, which includes a linguist, a thief, a tech guru and a Soviet Intelligence Operative.
Hunting a mysterious stone with healing powers. Rask is searching for a miracle cure, in the lost city of Shambhala.
But they will be pitted against a mystical brotherhood, trying to protect their hallowed secrets.
An action adventure thriller, with a sprinkling of the supernatural.
Fast paced and edgy, suspend your belief on this wild ride.
Not typically my favorite genre, but if you are an action junkie, this will give you your fix!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley or the free ebook in exchange for and honest review.
He is contacted by an intermediary for dying, wealthy businessman Greg Rask, asking him if he deserves a second chance. At first he says no.
Then he listens to the offer presented by Rask's representative, Guuleed.
He will be left alone in a cell with Matthew Langley, the shooter in prison who killed his wife, to do whatever he wants.
After that, he may decide to join Rask's team, which includes a linguist, a thief, a tech guru and a Soviet Intelligence Operative.
Hunting a mysterious stone with healing powers. Rask is searching for a miracle cure, in the lost city of Shambhala.
But they will be pitted against a mystical brotherhood, trying to protect their hallowed secrets.
An action adventure thriller, with a sprinkling of the supernatural.
Fast paced and edgy, suspend your belief on this wild ride.
Not typically my favorite genre, but if you are an action junkie, this will give you your fix!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley or the free ebook in exchange for and honest review.
Read
October 9, 2021After a few long months, I've decided to throw in the towel. I've been reading this book on and off since about... April, maybe? I was really determined to plow through this and reach the end and see how it ends. But I just can't anymore. This book is SO FREAKING BORING. Which is a shame because it had such potential with that crazy opening with Rye and his dying wife on the phone. And then it went downhill from there.
Truthfully, I picked up this book because the setting reminded me a lot of Uncharted 2. And anything that reminds me of the Uncharted series is going to have my full attention. Except this book, apparently. There aren't a lot of books out there that take place in Tibet or focus on Shambhala or the Cintamani stones... and sadly, this book wasn't it for me. I really tried for a few months, but I had to give it up.
Truthfully, I picked up this book because the setting reminded me a lot of Uncharted 2. And anything that reminds me of the Uncharted series is going to have my full attention. Except this book, apparently. There aren't a lot of books out there that take place in Tibet or focus on Shambhala or the Cintamani stones... and sadly, this book wasn't it for me. I really tried for a few months, but I had to give it up.
July 9, 2019
Rye McKenna is one of several people who have been dragged back from a personal abyss (often the loss of a family) by a multimillionaire named Rask and given a second chance at building a life. Rask is dying and is on the trail of an elixir that will renew his life. He has identified a painting that conceals a map that will take him to the elixir, but other groups also seek it. McKenna and the other repurposed and reclaimed adventurers are turned loose on finding it in what is an intelligently presented boys' own slam bang adventure that morphs into a science fiction novel. There is action every foot of the way, and I liked Ryerson and his comrades well enough to suspend disbelief about the science fiction elements. There clearly will be a sequel, and I'll undoubtedly read it.
July 5, 2019
3.8. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom...not quite, but of the same type of genre. White Peak is the tallest unclimbed mtn in the world. This mountain is where most of the action in this adventurous thriller takes place. Legend has it , 3 stones fell from heaven in a chest over this mountain 3000 yrs ago and these stones offer miracle powers. So Rye and “friends” set off too find them. I enjoyed the book and will read the next of this new series...however, I didn’t particularly like the last 40 pages, but did appreciate the last 3-4 pages of conclusion to book.
May 22, 2019
This is a book filled with adventure, thrills and great characters. Each of these characters work well with each other. There are twists and turns. This takes you to many different locales. This story really kept my interest. I hope there will be more stories with these characters. I received an ebook copy from St. Martin’s Press for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
May 20, 2019
White Peak is different than any type of thriller I've ever read but none the less, I still really enjoyed it. It reminded me of Indiana Jones meets Tomb Raider and add in a little Sci-fi too.
It is about Rye McKenna getting a second chance at life. A dying tech billionaire, Greg Rask, contacts Rye with an offer he can't refuse. A chance for alone time with his wife's killer in exchange to help him find a hidden map that will lead them to a lost city. They believe the city has a cure for Rask.
This won't be an easy task though. The lost city is protected by a brotherhood that can defy death. This was a fast paced book with lots of action. I'm hoping for a sequel!
Thank you St. Martins press for the gifted copy.
It is about Rye McKenna getting a second chance at life. A dying tech billionaire, Greg Rask, contacts Rye with an offer he can't refuse. A chance for alone time with his wife's killer in exchange to help him find a hidden map that will lead them to a lost city. They believe the city has a cure for Rask.
This won't be an easy task though. The lost city is protected by a brotherhood that can defy death. This was a fast paced book with lots of action. I'm hoping for a sequel!
Thank you St. Martins press for the gifted copy.
January 31, 2022
Thrilling book that takes reader onto journey from the US, through France then onto the forbidden Tibet. It's action packed with villians the entire way and there are turns at every part of the story. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to sequel.
May 24, 2019
Centered around Rye McKenna , this book is a blistering thrill ride .
Rye is a renowned climber, recently suffering a tragedy when his wife is gunned down in a shopping mall by terrorists, he is approached by a sick billionaire, Greg Rask, offering him a chance at redemption, a second chance at life.
Rye eventually agrees and joins a crack team of others who are also getting that second chance . The billionaire has a task, he wants them to find the cure to his illness in the mythical lost city of shambala.
What follows is a riveting roller coaster journey through Europe and the mountains of Tibet and Bhutan.
Shades of Indiana Jones and tomb raider mixed in with science fiction , nazis and extra terrestrials, this really is a wild ride.
The action is nonstop and is ratcheted right up to the cliff hanging end.
Characters are likeable if slightly unbelievable but this is pure escapism.
The locations are described in great details , the mountains and temple and tombs are brilliantly told.
This is simply a fun, chaotic , riveting read and would recommend to anyone with a sense of adventure. I look forward to the sequel
Just switch your brain off, sit back and enjoy!
4🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rye is a renowned climber, recently suffering a tragedy when his wife is gunned down in a shopping mall by terrorists, he is approached by a sick billionaire, Greg Rask, offering him a chance at redemption, a second chance at life.
Rye eventually agrees and joins a crack team of others who are also getting that second chance . The billionaire has a task, he wants them to find the cure to his illness in the mythical lost city of shambala.
What follows is a riveting roller coaster journey through Europe and the mountains of Tibet and Bhutan.
Shades of Indiana Jones and tomb raider mixed in with science fiction , nazis and extra terrestrials, this really is a wild ride.
The action is nonstop and is ratcheted right up to the cliff hanging end.
Characters are likeable if slightly unbelievable but this is pure escapism.
The locations are described in great details , the mountains and temple and tombs are brilliantly told.
This is simply a fun, chaotic , riveting read and would recommend to anyone with a sense of adventure. I look forward to the sequel
Just switch your brain off, sit back and enjoy!
4🔥🔥🔥🔥
June 26, 2019
Enjoyed reading this adventure tale!
December 11, 2019
Solid thriller but the reveals at the end were a bit too numerous for me to be interested in reading any sequels this might get.
February 21, 2020
It was a fun read like an Indiana Jones adventure
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