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Toward the Midnight Sun
From the bestselling author of White Rose, Black Forest comes a page-turning epic of adventure, suspense, and romance set against the rich and ruthless backdrop of the Klondike gold rush. Seattle, 1897. Anna Denton is not like the other prospectors traveling to the Yukon on the promise of riches. It’s duty—not profit—that calls her into the wild unknown. With her family nearing financial ruin, Anna has agreed to marry Henry Bradwell, the wealthy King of the Klondike. She meets Will and Silas, childhood friends, on the steamer north. After the ship docks in a lawless Alaska town, Anna’s chaperones run afoul of local criminals, leaving her stranded. Will and Silas agree to escort her the hundreds of treacherous miles to Dawson City—the gateway to the goldfields—and her betrothed, a man she doesn’t know. Upon their arrival, Bradwell warmly welcomes them all. But as a brutal winter sets in, relations sour, and Anna is caught between the promise her family made to the power-hungry Bradwell and her feelings for Will. Anna and her companions soon find themselves in a deadly game where few can be trusted and where the greatest danger in the frozen wilderness of the Klondike is man himself.
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First published January 1, 2020
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About the author
Eoin Dempsey
37 books1,037 followersEoin Dempsey was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1977. He grew up in the beautiful Dublin suburb of Dalkey, where he and his friends would jump into the icy waters of the Irish Sea (during summertime) to prove their manliness. Eoin had a fantastic time attending Blackrock College, where he played rugby (poorly) and did his best to coast his way through. Eoin’s first ambition was to play rugby for Ireland. Due to a lack of talent, he soon abandoned that goal for the more reasoned path of the rock star. He played in bands through his teens and well into his twenties before harsh reality came calling, and his dreams of being the next Keith Moon faded.
Eoin made the ill-reasoned decision to study business in university and was accepted into University College Dublin to study Commerce in 1995. While Eoin did attend college, studying wasn’t his priority there.
He met his beautiful wife, Jill, while traveling to the USA in 1997, though it would be several years before he managed to break her down and they got together as a couple. It was during Eoin’s second stint in the USA, which he spent with his brother in New York City, that he decided to start writing a novel, for the express purpose of impressing women. This effort was met with mixed success. Eoin finished his first novel a year later. The over hundred and fifty rejections he received from publishers didn’t discourage him. He pinned them to his wall. After spending a year in Australia, where he was fired from many jobs, including picking red and green peppers and toiling for scallops miles out to sea on a fishing trawler, he returned home and decided to write again. Another novel followed while he phoned it in at a number of jobs in financial services in Dublin.
By this time Eoin had managed to convince Jill, the girl he’d met in the USA years before to move over to Dublin. She did so in 2004. It was the best negotiation he ever undertook. They were married in 2007. Jill’s more brilliant negotiating skills led Eoin to move to her hometown of Philadelphia in 2008, just in time for the economy to collapse. The plan to live with her parents for a few weeks turned into eighteen months, as Eoin struggled to retain employment in a fractured economy. It was during this time that he wrote FINDING REBECCA, which would go on to be his first published novel and be translated into fourteen different languages.
Eoin and Jill have three beautiful sons, Robbie, who was born in 2015, Sam, born in 2017, and Jack who came in 2019. Eoin enjoys playing with them and marveling at how much more talented they are at the sports that he loves, particularly golf.
Eoin made the ill-reasoned decision to study business in university and was accepted into University College Dublin to study Commerce in 1995. While Eoin did attend college, studying wasn’t his priority there.
He met his beautiful wife, Jill, while traveling to the USA in 1997, though it would be several years before he managed to break her down and they got together as a couple. It was during Eoin’s second stint in the USA, which he spent with his brother in New York City, that he decided to start writing a novel, for the express purpose of impressing women. This effort was met with mixed success. Eoin finished his first novel a year later. The over hundred and fifty rejections he received from publishers didn’t discourage him. He pinned them to his wall. After spending a year in Australia, where he was fired from many jobs, including picking red and green peppers and toiling for scallops miles out to sea on a fishing trawler, he returned home and decided to write again. Another novel followed while he phoned it in at a number of jobs in financial services in Dublin.
By this time Eoin had managed to convince Jill, the girl he’d met in the USA years before to move over to Dublin. She did so in 2004. It was the best negotiation he ever undertook. They were married in 2007. Jill’s more brilliant negotiating skills led Eoin to move to her hometown of Philadelphia in 2008, just in time for the economy to collapse. The plan to live with her parents for a few weeks turned into eighteen months, as Eoin struggled to retain employment in a fractured economy. It was during this time that he wrote FINDING REBECCA, which would go on to be his first published novel and be translated into fourteen different languages.
Eoin and Jill have three beautiful sons, Robbie, who was born in 2015, Sam, born in 2017, and Jack who came in 2019. Eoin enjoys playing with them and marveling at how much more talented they are at the sports that he loves, particularly golf.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 480 reviews
December 2, 2019
2.5 stars
The writing style and dialogue was extremely dry. The first half which details their trip to Dawson City was really boring. I thought that would be the exciting part, but it wasn't until Anna reached Dawson City and the drama between her and her fiance ensued that the plot started to pick up the pace; moving slow rather than dragging. There was a small twist at 65% (on a kindle) but it the plot still continued to be dull.....it isn't until 86% that anything of great interest occurs.
Historically, there is mention and a brief memory of the Battle of Wounded Knee. Women's inequality is discussed and seen throughout Anna's journey. The overall atmosphere for the time period in this novel is very bleak. I was expecting to learn a lot about the gold rush in Alaska, but I didn't learn a lot in this novel.
Technical notes--Anna begins her journey on a ship to Skagaway for the first 10% (on a Kindle). Their stay and encampment at Skagway is detailed from 10-20%. At 20%, they reach the Dyea settlement, and at 21% they begin the Chilkhoot Trail. The Chilkhoot Trail is detailed from 21-45% and on the trail they stop at Canyon City, Sheep Camp, and the Scales. Anna reaches Dawson at 45% and the remainder of the novel happens there focusing on the romance.
It is true to the blurb...a young girl named Anna is escorted to Dawson City by two men because her father has sold her as a bride to pay of his debt. She is sold to a wealthy man who has made his fortune off of the gold rush and is called "King of the Klondike". Along the way, several people doubt her ability as a woman to make the journey. Anna then falls in love with another, but knows she must stay with her fiance in order to secure her families survival.
For the majority of the story, I was bored and disengaged. I was very disappointed since I really enjoyed his other novels. I will still be looking forward to his next novel, though this one was not my favorite.
Initially, I was going to give this two stars, but because the ending did provide some sort of stimulating redemption I gave it 2.5 and rounded to 3.
The writing style and dialogue was extremely dry. The first half which details their trip to Dawson City was really boring. I thought that would be the exciting part, but it wasn't until Anna reached Dawson City and the drama between her and her fiance ensued that the plot started to pick up the pace; moving slow rather than dragging. There was a small twist at 65% (on a kindle) but it the plot still continued to be dull.....it isn't until 86% that anything of great interest occurs.
Historically, there is mention and a brief memory of the Battle of Wounded Knee. Women's inequality is discussed and seen throughout Anna's journey. The overall atmosphere for the time period in this novel is very bleak. I was expecting to learn a lot about the gold rush in Alaska, but I didn't learn a lot in this novel.
Technical notes--Anna begins her journey on a ship to Skagaway for the first 10% (on a Kindle). Their stay and encampment at Skagway is detailed from 10-20%. At 20%, they reach the Dyea settlement, and at 21% they begin the Chilkhoot Trail. The Chilkhoot Trail is detailed from 21-45% and on the trail they stop at Canyon City, Sheep Camp, and the Scales. Anna reaches Dawson at 45% and the remainder of the novel happens there focusing on the romance.
It is true to the blurb...a young girl named Anna is escorted to Dawson City by two men because her father has sold her as a bride to pay of his debt. She is sold to a wealthy man who has made his fortune off of the gold rush and is called "King of the Klondike". Along the way, several people doubt her ability as a woman to make the journey. Anna then falls in love with another, but knows she must stay with her fiance in order to secure her families survival.
For the majority of the story, I was bored and disengaged. I was very disappointed since I really enjoyed his other novels. I will still be looking forward to his next novel, though this one was not my favorite.
Initially, I was going to give this two stars, but because the ending did provide some sort of stimulating redemption I gave it 2.5 and rounded to 3.
September 23, 2023
I love Eoin Dempsey’s historical romances. This one, set in Alaska at the turn of the century gold rush, explores the fate of Anna, a young girl sent by her family to a small prospecting settlement in Alaska to marry a man she’s never met who is 30 years her senior in order to pay off her father’s business debts. When her chaperones turn out to be unsavory characters, she teams up with Will and Silas, brothers who are also heading for Dawson, and they strike out over the unforgiving land. Along the way, she and Will, who is her own age, develop a bond. Wonderful details of the time period and landscape and a sweet, slow build romance. I especially liked the in-depth look at life in Dawson, a prospecting town, and the realities of survival on the Alaskan frontier. I look forward to seeing what this author writes next!
September 15, 2021
Her father called it “bride price” an ancient tradition that would be saving her family. Her sister needed expensive medicine, her fathers business is failing.
So her loving father sold her to Henry Bradwell. A much older man. He was known as the King of the Klondike. After all Anna would become rich.
Anna Denton was traveling on a steamboat from Seattle to Skagway and the to Dawson City. She was traveling with two male chaperones.It was the height of the gold rush. Anna would be rich. Or would she? Could she really be happy with a man she doesn’t know or love?
Seattle 1897. Anna is on her way to meet her finace. She is boarding the “ Mercury “. Maybe never to see her family again. Everyone on the ship is excited about the prospects of finding gold. Her future husband hired two chaperones who turn out not so reliable . She meets Will and Silas traveling to find their fortune. They agree to take Anna to Dawson. Some say they will never make it. It is too dangerous especially for a lady.
The weather will be turning, the river will be freezing. Many have not endured the passage and have had to turn back. It is a perilous journey, but there is romance in the air with Anna and Will. Will Anna keep to her contract with Henry Bradwell?
The story was an interesting one. I loved the descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness and the adventure of the gold rush.
I enjoyed it very much.
So her loving father sold her to Henry Bradwell. A much older man. He was known as the King of the Klondike. After all Anna would become rich.
Anna Denton was traveling on a steamboat from Seattle to Skagway and the to Dawson City. She was traveling with two male chaperones.It was the height of the gold rush. Anna would be rich. Or would she? Could she really be happy with a man she doesn’t know or love?
Seattle 1897. Anna is on her way to meet her finace. She is boarding the “ Mercury “. Maybe never to see her family again. Everyone on the ship is excited about the prospects of finding gold. Her future husband hired two chaperones who turn out not so reliable . She meets Will and Silas traveling to find their fortune. They agree to take Anna to Dawson. Some say they will never make it. It is too dangerous especially for a lady.
The weather will be turning, the river will be freezing. Many have not endured the passage and have had to turn back. It is a perilous journey, but there is romance in the air with Anna and Will. Will Anna keep to her contract with Henry Bradwell?
The story was an interesting one. I loved the descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness and the adventure of the gold rush.
I enjoyed it very much.
January 13, 2020
Anna Denton is on a steamer departing Seattle for the Klondike in the late 19th century. A wealthy gold rush prospector has purchased the right to her hand in marriage from her family, and Anna is on the way to marry him. This is the story of Anna’s trek into the northwest.
I compare this story of the gold rush in the Yukon and Alaska to those written by Jack London. Eoin Dempsey has done as Mr. London did many years ago which is capture the tales of the hardships of men and women as they made their way to Dawson over the infamous Chilkoot Pass. The stampeders, as they were called, had heard the stories of gold discoveries and unheard of riches to be had and were driven to get theirs. It was a nightmarish challenge, and many had to quit and turn around.
The author did an awesome job of telling this story keeping me turning the pages with the amazing frozen backdrop, man’s lust for riches, deceit, backstabbing, and murder. It is also a tale of determination, honor, love and friendship.
Highly recommended.
I compare this story of the gold rush in the Yukon and Alaska to those written by Jack London. Eoin Dempsey has done as Mr. London did many years ago which is capture the tales of the hardships of men and women as they made their way to Dawson over the infamous Chilkoot Pass. The stampeders, as they were called, had heard the stories of gold discoveries and unheard of riches to be had and were driven to get theirs. It was a nightmarish challenge, and many had to quit and turn around.
The author did an awesome job of telling this story keeping me turning the pages with the amazing frozen backdrop, man’s lust for riches, deceit, backstabbing, and murder. It is also a tale of determination, honor, love and friendship.
Highly recommended.
October 8, 2021
Anna Denton loves her three sisters, her father’s having money problems and she agrees to the marriage he’s arranged. Leaving Seattle is hard, she’s in tears as she waves goodbye, and she’s accompanied by two chaperones who will be traveling with her to Klondike in Alaska. Due to the gold rush, it’s a very dangerous place, and especially for a pretty young woman.
Henry Bradwell is the King of Klondike, and marrying him will solve her father’s financial problems. Aboard the Mercury, she meets William Leary and his adopted brother Silas Oliver, both are concerned about the character of the two men her fiancée has employed to get her safely to Dawson city? Sure enough they leave Anna stranded, Will and Silas agree to take her the six hundred miles, it’s a long and dangerous trip, and they need to make it Dawson city before the mountain pass closes due to snow. Anna’s a lot tougher than she looks, she walks without complaining, climbs the mountain terrain, and travels last part of the journey by boat.
When she arrives, Henry Bradwell is charming older man, and the business he owns is a saloon. Winter sets in, Anna realizes she’s trapped, she can’t contact her family, and Henry’s pressuring her to set a date for the wedding. She’s starting to have big doubts about her fiancée morals, she’s also attracted to Will and the situation becomes dire.
Towards The Midnight Sun by Eoin Dempsey, is an adventure story set in Alaska, Anna’s character's brave, she didn’t give up, faced the challenges, and I really liked heroes Will and Silas. I received a copy of this book in exchange for on honest review, interesting reading about the gold rush in 1897, the stampeders, and four stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Henry Bradwell is the King of Klondike, and marrying him will solve her father’s financial problems. Aboard the Mercury, she meets William Leary and his adopted brother Silas Oliver, both are concerned about the character of the two men her fiancée has employed to get her safely to Dawson city? Sure enough they leave Anna stranded, Will and Silas agree to take her the six hundred miles, it’s a long and dangerous trip, and they need to make it Dawson city before the mountain pass closes due to snow. Anna’s a lot tougher than she looks, she walks without complaining, climbs the mountain terrain, and travels last part of the journey by boat.
When she arrives, Henry Bradwell is charming older man, and the business he owns is a saloon. Winter sets in, Anna realizes she’s trapped, she can’t contact her family, and Henry’s pressuring her to set a date for the wedding. She’s starting to have big doubts about her fiancée morals, she’s also attracted to Will and the situation becomes dire.
Towards The Midnight Sun by Eoin Dempsey, is an adventure story set in Alaska, Anna’s character's brave, she didn’t give up, faced the challenges, and I really liked heroes Will and Silas. I received a copy of this book in exchange for on honest review, interesting reading about the gold rush in 1897, the stampeders, and four stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
August 6, 2023
I am finally free of this book! Never again will I force myself to finish something that is tedious and aggravating and fluffing annoying. This was the final one. THE LAST STRAW. I am so upset at myself for wasting my precious free time on this. Oof this was not a book for me and I cannot recommend it. The characters were dull, the plot was dull and the tropes pissed me off. The less I say, the better. Two stars is me being very generous. I have a whole page of notes and complaints but I’ll spare you all and keep it to myself.
December 4, 2019
I loved the depiction of life in the Klondike at the turn of the century- the author really painted a vivid picture. But the story and characters just lacked oomph for me.
December 7, 2019
Not what I expected
This was a waste of time. Stupid and farfetched at best. Vile and not reflecting the timeframe. I would be embarrassed to share among my friends.
This was a waste of time. Stupid and farfetched at best. Vile and not reflecting the timeframe. I would be embarrassed to share among my friends.
January 13, 2021
Eoin Dempsey has become one of my newest favorite authors! His attention to detail reads like poetry, his characters are enchanting and his historical based stories are extremely well researched!
This book made me scream "what the fu*k" more then once.. and if that doesnt yell "this book is amazing" Im not sure what else does.
Ever wondered what it was like to head to the Yukon wilderness in the late 1800's during a gold rush... well Dempsey can tell you!!! Beautiful!!!
This book made me scream "what the fu*k" more then once.. and if that doesnt yell "this book is amazing" Im not sure what else does.
Ever wondered what it was like to head to the Yukon wilderness in the late 1800's during a gold rush... well Dempsey can tell you!!! Beautiful!!!
December 8, 2019
Disappointing. Really liked White Rose, Black Forest by this author and have traveled several times to Skagway, Alaska, and Dawson City, Yukon, so I thought this book would be a winner. However, because the characters were one-dimensional and many of the situations were so far-fetched, the book became a chore rather than enjoyment.
December 28, 2019
Alaskan Gold
I would have given this book 5 stars had it not been for the affair between Anna and Will, and the gay episode thrown in the story line mid way through the book. I read daily and love well written books that hold my attention. This book is interesting and well written except for the above mentioned.
I would have given this book 5 stars had it not been for the affair between Anna and Will, and the gay episode thrown in the story line mid way through the book. I read daily and love well written books that hold my attention. This book is interesting and well written except for the above mentioned.
November 30, 2020
This book wasn't always believable and the dialogue didn't always sound authentic for the time period but I still found the story enjoyable.
Ratings:
Writing 3
Story line 3.5
Characters 3
Emotional impact 3
Overall rating: 3.125
Ratings:
Writing 3
Story line 3.5
Characters 3
Emotional impact 3
Overall rating: 3.125
December 21, 2019
Disappointing
Not much happens until late in the book. The first 45% of it on my Kindle was travel. I was hoping for adventures in the Klondike, but it was more like a soap opera that started out bland and became unlikely. There were comments about the rugged beauty of the area, but it was never described adequately. The conversations were stilted, and the characters changed their behavior abruptly. An attempt was made to convey passion, but there was no buildup, and it fell flat. I hated the direction the relationships took. I never felt connected to any characters. I gave the story every chance, but some scenes ruined for me. Besides being poorly written, they was too lurid for my taste.
Not much happens until late in the book. The first 45% of it on my Kindle was travel. I was hoping for adventures in the Klondike, but it was more like a soap opera that started out bland and became unlikely. There were comments about the rugged beauty of the area, but it was never described adequately. The conversations were stilted, and the characters changed their behavior abruptly. An attempt was made to convey passion, but there was no buildup, and it fell flat. I hated the direction the relationships took. I never felt connected to any characters. I gave the story every chance, but some scenes ruined for me. Besides being poorly written, they was too lurid for my taste.
December 26, 2019
Billed as historical fiction, this is really more of a cheesy romance book meets historical fiction meets bad thriller. The first part following the main character's trip to Dawson City on the Chilkoot Trail was interesting, but mostly I found the characters to be flat and predictable. There are few descriptions of the actual lives of those of working Klondike Gold Rush, rather it is a romanticized view of the experience. Thankfully it is a pretty short book and easy to breeze through.
January 7, 2020
I was looking forward to reading this because I really liked White Rose, Black Forest, however, I was really disappointed. Though the struggles of the gold rush in the Klondike were good, the story around it was contrived and not believable.
May 17, 2024
Really disappointed. Wasn’t what I expected. I don’t think I will be reading anything else from this author. JMHO.
March 4, 2020
3.5 Stars
This historical romance set in the heart of Alaska during the Klondike gold rush, swept me away from 2020 and put me right in this era. It was a beautifully descriptive read that vividly details the setting and emotions of the characters. The beginning was a slow build, as far as plot and I found myself speed reading just before the half way point. The plot picked up after that and while I enjoyed the pick up in pace, the characters actions left me perplexed at time. Still very much worth the read.
This historical romance set in the heart of Alaska during the Klondike gold rush, swept me away from 2020 and put me right in this era. It was a beautifully descriptive read that vividly details the setting and emotions of the characters. The beginning was a slow build, as far as plot and I found myself speed reading just before the half way point. The plot picked up after that and while I enjoyed the pick up in pace, the characters actions left me perplexed at time. Still very much worth the read.
December 15, 2019
Fabulous! A wonderfully told story about strength and perseverance
January 8, 2020
Gold Fever on the Klondike
I really enjoyed this book. The history of the miners and the journey they made to reach the Klondike gold fields was very interesting, especially the trek over the Chilkoot trail and the stair steps, then the dangerous trek down the half frozen river in a homemade boat. The description of the emerging mining towns with their loudness, whiskey, gambling and girls of the saloons. The mud sticking to the boots, the extreme cold and the disillusion of many.
The characters were believable as human's with all their failings. They were more true to life than many books I have read. The author wrote them as just that...people with the normal human feelings, failings that we see in everyday life with the extra ruggedness needed for such a frontier setting. Those that made it had to be the most rugged and desperate just to get to Dawson.
At every step of the way people dropped out and turned back. Those that kept going and finally made it to Dawson were still unsure of their future. By the time our characters in the story made it most of the good mines had already been claimed. How they were able to establish themselves was more to the character's gambling ability than to their luck at finding a good claim.
I enjoyed the characters of Will, Silas, Anna, Betsy and Mr. Bradwell, as well as all the other minor characters in between. The book describes the long winter after the miners arrival in Dawson. No contact at all with the outside world, no mail, no supplies. The passions felt, the desperation of some, the romance between Will and Anna even though she was betrothed to Mr. Bradwell. All of it was part of the way of life in that era in the Klondike. Food and supplies were scarce and women were more so as only a few were able to make it to Dawson and most that did were either married or ladies of ill repute.
I applaud the author for telling the story how it must have been in those times with all the rawness of the environment. Times were hard, life was harder, it was how it was.
I recommend this to anyone interested in reading about this time period in history.
Thanks to Eoin Dempsey, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of the book.
I really enjoyed this book. The history of the miners and the journey they made to reach the Klondike gold fields was very interesting, especially the trek over the Chilkoot trail and the stair steps, then the dangerous trek down the half frozen river in a homemade boat. The description of the emerging mining towns with their loudness, whiskey, gambling and girls of the saloons. The mud sticking to the boots, the extreme cold and the disillusion of many.
The characters were believable as human's with all their failings. They were more true to life than many books I have read. The author wrote them as just that...people with the normal human feelings, failings that we see in everyday life with the extra ruggedness needed for such a frontier setting. Those that made it had to be the most rugged and desperate just to get to Dawson.
At every step of the way people dropped out and turned back. Those that kept going and finally made it to Dawson were still unsure of their future. By the time our characters in the story made it most of the good mines had already been claimed. How they were able to establish themselves was more to the character's gambling ability than to their luck at finding a good claim.
I enjoyed the characters of Will, Silas, Anna, Betsy and Mr. Bradwell, as well as all the other minor characters in between. The book describes the long winter after the miners arrival in Dawson. No contact at all with the outside world, no mail, no supplies. The passions felt, the desperation of some, the romance between Will and Anna even though she was betrothed to Mr. Bradwell. All of it was part of the way of life in that era in the Klondike. Food and supplies were scarce and women were more so as only a few were able to make it to Dawson and most that did were either married or ladies of ill repute.
I applaud the author for telling the story how it must have been in those times with all the rawness of the environment. Times were hard, life was harder, it was how it was.
I recommend this to anyone interested in reading about this time period in history.
Thanks to Eoin Dempsey, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of the book.
February 16, 2021
As much as it pains me to say this, I have to admit: I'm a bit disappointed with this novel. I read "White Rose, Black Forest" by the same author last year and it blew my mind. I fell in love with the writing style, the way the plot unfolded, and of course, the whole setting of the novel.
This book couldn't grip my attention as much as I wanted to. I tried to dive in and stay drowned but I kept coming back on the shore. The language was quite standard, the plot was shabby and hilariously predictable (I could detect the way the story would go from a mile away), and it failed to make me fall for the characters.
Anna Denton is a character with so much potential, so much promise, and a thousand ways to portray what drives her. So were the characters of Will Leary and Silas Oliver; hell, even Henry Bradwell had acres of unventured territory left to explore and exploit. The first half is as dry as a bunch of leaves in autumn, but the story falls flat from the moment they embark on a journey to Dawson. The accounts for 7 whole weeks literally vanished in front of my eyes and I couldn't even differentiate the timelines, let alone be drawn to it. The hopeful guess that the second half being a compensation for the former was also incorrect.
I'd just like to say: Read It At Your Own Risk.
One can read it, sure, but I do feel it would be denying another book the opportunity of a good story to tingle the bibliophile in you.
This book couldn't grip my attention as much as I wanted to. I tried to dive in and stay drowned but I kept coming back on the shore. The language was quite standard, the plot was shabby and hilariously predictable (I could detect the way the story would go from a mile away), and it failed to make me fall for the characters.
Anna Denton is a character with so much potential, so much promise, and a thousand ways to portray what drives her. So were the characters of Will Leary and Silas Oliver; hell, even Henry Bradwell had acres of unventured territory left to explore and exploit. The first half is as dry as a bunch of leaves in autumn, but the story falls flat from the moment they embark on a journey to Dawson. The accounts for 7 whole weeks literally vanished in front of my eyes and I couldn't even differentiate the timelines, let alone be drawn to it. The hopeful guess that the second half being a compensation for the former was also incorrect.
I'd just like to say: Read It At Your Own Risk.
One can read it, sure, but I do feel it would be denying another book the opportunity of a good story to tingle the bibliophile in you.
December 7, 2019
Enjoyed this. It's a story of two parts the first being the hard trip over the mountains and the second their exploits in the mining town. I enjoy historical fiction and this was an interesting part of history that I haven't read much about.
The story wasn't hugely original however it was an easy read. Got this as part of Amazon prime first reads where the books are usually a bit rubbish. This better than some of the others that I've chosen in the past.
The story wasn't hugely original however it was an easy read. Got this as part of Amazon prime first reads where the books are usually a bit rubbish. This better than some of the others that I've chosen in the past.
December 5, 2019
I've never read anything about the Klondike gold strike of 1897 so those aspects of the story were really interesting especially getting there. The romance part was ok but I thought the way the author ended it was a little flimsy.
January 8, 2020
Entertaining for the most part
Didn’t love some of the subplots but it all made sense in the end. Quite predictable but still enjoyed reading it.
Didn’t love some of the subplots but it all made sense in the end. Quite predictable but still enjoyed reading it.
January 23, 2020
Could not get into this book.
April 22, 2020
Not for me. Not written well enough to sludge through content. There's something missing that's needed for a good epic story.
May 4, 2020
I was hoping for more details on gold rush, the Chilkoot Pass trail and Alaska. Hard to connect with the characters. Disappointed
August 6, 2020
I read one of the author's other books. This one was ok, but not quite as good. The story takes place during the Klondike gold rush. A young woman from Illinois is "sold" by her father for a bride price for the salvation of the bankrupt family. The description of the arduous journey to Dawson was highly similar to every other book about this era ( as I guess it would have to be). The characters were simplistically good and bad and the plot was highly predictable. Doesn't hold a candle to Michener's "Alaska," but it was a pleasant, if forgettable, late night read.
September 21, 2020
4 Stars
Toward the Midnight Sun by Eoin Dempsey is a historical romantic suspense- with adventure, danger, drama- and plenty more to hold your interest from beginning to end.
Set during the Klondike gold rush- this story is original and intriguing. As it was my first read by Eoin Dempsey, I really didn't know what to expect going in- but now I can honestly say I am glad I took a chance and grabbed a copy- and I will be keeping my eye out for more from this author in the future.
Toward the Midnight Sun by Eoin Dempsey is a historical romantic suspense- with adventure, danger, drama- and plenty more to hold your interest from beginning to end.
Set during the Klondike gold rush- this story is original and intriguing. As it was my first read by Eoin Dempsey, I really didn't know what to expect going in- but now I can honestly say I am glad I took a chance and grabbed a copy- and I will be keeping my eye out for more from this author in the future.
February 24, 2023
I really liked this story about the Alaskan gold rush. I know very little about that period in history, just what I have seen in old movies and this novel made me feel the cold, the dirt, the hunger and the deprivation.
I have read other books by this author, but the have all been about people trying to survive the hardships of WWII. This setting was a nice change of adventure for a writer I enjoy.
I have read other books by this author, but the have all been about people trying to survive the hardships of WWII. This setting was a nice change of adventure for a writer I enjoy.
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