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Runaway Storm
This first book in D. E. Knobbe's gripping Runaway series puts readers in the middle of a wilderness adventure that few could survive on their own. Nate stole the kayak . . . sort of. His parents don't know where he is, and that's just fine with him. He's made it to the chain of sparsely populated islands off the coast of Vancouver, his kayaking dream come true. So what could possibly go wrong? For starters, he hadn't counted on real runaways making him feel like a fraud or on the cops chasing him into a wild and deadly storm. Nate hadn't planned to shipwreck on a deserted island either, or to have a run-in with a crazed drug smuggler, who drifted into the bay on a crippled Sailboat, ready to protect his stash with a loaded gun. Should Nate save himself or the Goth girl from Seattle who tried to rescue him? Between being chased by criminals, shot at, and almost drowned, their options aren't looking good. Praise for Runaway Storm :
A rite of passage story that starts out as a rebellious solo kayaking adventure but turns perilous as 15-year-old Nate faces fellow runaways, a shipwreck and drug smugglers. An exciting survival tale that leaves you wanting more.
-- Mary-Pat Gonzalez, M.L.S. , Senior Librarian--Children's, Huntington Beach Central Park Library Runaway Storm is an edge-of-your-seat page turner. Nothing goes the way Nate planned when his kayak trip turns deadly and he's forced to take more risks than he's ever faced in his life. D. E. Knobbe fits well into the ranks of other great adventure writers. Young readers won't be able to put this book down.
--Bestselling author team Enderle and Gordon
A rite of passage story that starts out as a rebellious solo kayaking adventure but turns perilous as 15-year-old Nate faces fellow runaways, a shipwreck and drug smugglers. An exciting survival tale that leaves you wanting more.
-- Mary-Pat Gonzalez, M.L.S. , Senior Librarian--Children's, Huntington Beach Central Park Library Runaway Storm is an edge-of-your-seat page turner. Nothing goes the way Nate planned when his kayak trip turns deadly and he's forced to take more risks than he's ever faced in his life. D. E. Knobbe fits well into the ranks of other great adventure writers. Young readers won't be able to put this book down.
--Bestselling author team Enderle and Gordon
- GenresAdventureYoung Adult
223 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
3 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
D.E. Knobbe
3 books5 followersMy Y.A. novel RUNAWAY STORM hit bookstores January 2010. I have two more Y.A. novels close to publication: ZAPPED and RUNAWAY FIRE, along with two picture books NO MORE MISCHIEF and CRAZY CRUSTACEANS, due later this year. I have also sold to the Kids Reading Room/L.A Times and have worked as a freelance writer for both newspapers and advertising agencies. I have been critiquing and working with writers for over eight years. I have taught writing workshops and am one of the founders of the popular Critiquemania Children’s writer’s retreat.
I presently work as an editor for a small press, and am an active board member for SCBWI-LA (Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators-Los Angeles). I have a B.A. in Creative Writing and a Masters in Professional writing. After I earned my B.A. I worked as a copywriter and then as the Creative Director for two different radio stations, which means I have written several thousand radio ads and some T.V. ads. I am a proud co-founding member of the Sand Scribes children’s writing group. I live in Huntington beach, california with two kids, two dogs, one husband (so far) and a travel bug.
I presently work as an editor for a small press, and am an active board member for SCBWI-LA (Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators-Los Angeles). I have a B.A. in Creative Writing and a Masters in Professional writing. After I earned my B.A. I worked as a copywriter and then as the Creative Director for two different radio stations, which means I have written several thousand radio ads and some T.V. ads. I am a proud co-founding member of the Sand Scribes children’s writing group. I live in Huntington beach, california with two kids, two dogs, one husband (so far) and a travel bug.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 21, 2010
Nate was not a happy camper in more ways than one. His mother was leaving him with him with his father for the summer while she ran off to “do her own thing” in Paris with her newest boyfriend.
The summer seemed that it was going to be fun. After all Nate’s dad promised him a month of kayaking in the Gulf Islands but at the last minute informed Nate that he had to cancel their plans because he was needed on “urgent business”. Nate was furious at this commenting to his friend Sam, “Tell me what urgent business could a geologist have?”
As the two of them sat and talked, Nate decided he was going to go to Vancouver anyway and take that kayaking trip by himself. There was no way his mother would cancel his trip and his dad wouldn’t know until he got home. He and Sam decided it was a plan that would work. Nate began to get ready for his trip.
Reaching Vancouver, he planned to get ready and leave as soon as possible so as to not attract the attention of any of the neighbors. When he went to the garage to pack up supplies much to his surprise he found a beautiful yellow Kayak there. It must have been meant as his birthday present. He was naturally thrilled and had the Kayak, he named Solace, packed for the trip in no time.
With help from his former classmate and friend Mike Watson, he was ready for his adventure. After rigging a contraption so he could lower the kayak into the water, Nate was off, so far, no one the wiser that he was a minor all on his own.
After kayaking, he stopped at a small island and bought some basics. After some time kayaking like a pro, Nate met some kids who had no homes and were determined never to go back to foster care. After gaining their trust, they all became friends and worked together to keep the camp in good shape and keep out of the watchful eye of the ever wandering Department of Fisheries employees who made routine checks of the area.
As the days and weeks progressed, all seemed fine until Nate found out that his mother and father had discovered he was missing. Not wanting to make life hard for his friends or have them found because of all the people who were looking for him, Nate decided it was time he left. He slipped into his Kayak and took off heading down river to find a little island or area where he could lie low for awhile.
About the time Nate was thinking things were going to work out, a huge storm appeared and struck with such force that he struggled to keep the Kayak from rolling. But rolling it did and Nate found himself underwater wondering what to do. Then he remembered all this times he had practiced a maneuver designed to right an upside down Kayak. Despite all his failures at camp, this time Nate got it right and was soon back in the upright position and searching for a place to settle, rest and think about what his next move might be.
As he began to set up his shelter, he met up with a young girl in a sailboat, sail undone, needing some assistance to get her ship seaworthy. This young girl, dressed all in black, introduced herself to Nate as Kat. They made a trade for help with Kate putting up her campsite and Nate getting fresh water. It was one that Nate couldn’t resist so he took “Goth girl” (a private nickname he gave her because of her appearance) up on her offer.
Suddenly they spied a sailboat. After a few moments, the motor sputtered and died. Those on the ship, Jimmy, Tanya and Stef rowed to shore to ask for assistance. They all agreed that they would help the three stranded the very next day. A bit after this, Nate began to get a strange feeling about the three marooned visitors. Between conversation, flags changing to the fact that overnight the boats name and origin had been changed, Nate came to the conclusion that these three were trouble.
What happens next in the story is exciting, thrilling and downright genius on the part of the author. The predicament they put Kat and Nate in is fantastic in it’s suspense and the get away of the three only adds a much needed boost of adrenaline to the reader. But as they say, “all good books must come to an end” and luckily for Nate and Kat they are rescued from the island, the coast guard does it’s part dealing with Jimmy, Stef and Tanya and Kat gets the medical attention she needs.
This is one book I have to be totally honest when I say, I loved it although it is meant for a teenage age group. So much so, that I will be purchasing several copies of it as gifts as well as donating a copy to our local middle school. As for my copy? That will go on a shelf I have that holds books that have touched me in some special way. And this one did just that. Check for yourself and see if it speaks to you or the teen in your life. I would bet it will and it will find a place on your permanent bookshelf as well.
The summer seemed that it was going to be fun. After all Nate’s dad promised him a month of kayaking in the Gulf Islands but at the last minute informed Nate that he had to cancel their plans because he was needed on “urgent business”. Nate was furious at this commenting to his friend Sam, “Tell me what urgent business could a geologist have?”
As the two of them sat and talked, Nate decided he was going to go to Vancouver anyway and take that kayaking trip by himself. There was no way his mother would cancel his trip and his dad wouldn’t know until he got home. He and Sam decided it was a plan that would work. Nate began to get ready for his trip.
Reaching Vancouver, he planned to get ready and leave as soon as possible so as to not attract the attention of any of the neighbors. When he went to the garage to pack up supplies much to his surprise he found a beautiful yellow Kayak there. It must have been meant as his birthday present. He was naturally thrilled and had the Kayak, he named Solace, packed for the trip in no time.
With help from his former classmate and friend Mike Watson, he was ready for his adventure. After rigging a contraption so he could lower the kayak into the water, Nate was off, so far, no one the wiser that he was a minor all on his own.
After kayaking, he stopped at a small island and bought some basics. After some time kayaking like a pro, Nate met some kids who had no homes and were determined never to go back to foster care. After gaining their trust, they all became friends and worked together to keep the camp in good shape and keep out of the watchful eye of the ever wandering Department of Fisheries employees who made routine checks of the area.
As the days and weeks progressed, all seemed fine until Nate found out that his mother and father had discovered he was missing. Not wanting to make life hard for his friends or have them found because of all the people who were looking for him, Nate decided it was time he left. He slipped into his Kayak and took off heading down river to find a little island or area where he could lie low for awhile.
About the time Nate was thinking things were going to work out, a huge storm appeared and struck with such force that he struggled to keep the Kayak from rolling. But rolling it did and Nate found himself underwater wondering what to do. Then he remembered all this times he had practiced a maneuver designed to right an upside down Kayak. Despite all his failures at camp, this time Nate got it right and was soon back in the upright position and searching for a place to settle, rest and think about what his next move might be.
As he began to set up his shelter, he met up with a young girl in a sailboat, sail undone, needing some assistance to get her ship seaworthy. This young girl, dressed all in black, introduced herself to Nate as Kat. They made a trade for help with Kate putting up her campsite and Nate getting fresh water. It was one that Nate couldn’t resist so he took “Goth girl” (a private nickname he gave her because of her appearance) up on her offer.
Suddenly they spied a sailboat. After a few moments, the motor sputtered and died. Those on the ship, Jimmy, Tanya and Stef rowed to shore to ask for assistance. They all agreed that they would help the three stranded the very next day. A bit after this, Nate began to get a strange feeling about the three marooned visitors. Between conversation, flags changing to the fact that overnight the boats name and origin had been changed, Nate came to the conclusion that these three were trouble.
What happens next in the story is exciting, thrilling and downright genius on the part of the author. The predicament they put Kat and Nate in is fantastic in it’s suspense and the get away of the three only adds a much needed boost of adrenaline to the reader. But as they say, “all good books must come to an end” and luckily for Nate and Kat they are rescued from the island, the coast guard does it’s part dealing with Jimmy, Stef and Tanya and Kat gets the medical attention she needs.
This is one book I have to be totally honest when I say, I loved it although it is meant for a teenage age group. So much so, that I will be purchasing several copies of it as gifts as well as donating a copy to our local middle school. As for my copy? That will go on a shelf I have that holds books that have touched me in some special way. And this one did just that. Check for yourself and see if it speaks to you or the teen in your life. I would bet it will and it will find a place on your permanent bookshelf as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2011
In ‘Runaway Storm’ by D.E. Knobbe, you’re swept along on an exhilarating adventure with Nate who decides to take the fate of his summer into his own hands. Nate, our 17 year old protagonist, has been forced to deal with the misfortune of his parent’s separation. Much to his dismay, Nate has been forced to move away from Canada to New York where his mother took a job and a new boyfriend. Nate is looking forward to him and his father spending the summer together on a much anticipated kayak adventure. However, when Nate finds out that his summer plans have been blown out of the water, he decides to take matters into his own hands.
D.E. Knobbe is a wonderful writer. The words flow together in a wonderful sea of perfection. Knobbe really understands and relays adolescence coming of age in ‘Runaway Storm’.
This book is a page turner that readers of all ages will appreciate. Younger readers will also relate to the feelings portrayed by Nate.
This book screams ‘rite of passage’ as young Nate makes the trip of a lifetime and one that he won’t soon forget. He meets many along the way who help him reach maturity and some who are dangerous. He navigates through one of the worst storms of his life, both physically and mentally.
D.E. Knobbe has a winner with her Runaway Series. This was one of the best, most action packed, heartfelt, realistic books that I’ve read in a long while. I can guarantee that you won’t be dissatisfied with this one. Pick up a copy or two for the young adult in your life. I myself anticipate the release of ‘Runaway Fire’. It can’t come out fast enough and once it does hit the shelves, I’ll be eagerly waiting in line with my copy.
D.E. Knobbe is a wonderful writer. The words flow together in a wonderful sea of perfection. Knobbe really understands and relays adolescence coming of age in ‘Runaway Storm’.
This book is a page turner that readers of all ages will appreciate. Younger readers will also relate to the feelings portrayed by Nate.
This book screams ‘rite of passage’ as young Nate makes the trip of a lifetime and one that he won’t soon forget. He meets many along the way who help him reach maturity and some who are dangerous. He navigates through one of the worst storms of his life, both physically and mentally.
D.E. Knobbe has a winner with her Runaway Series. This was one of the best, most action packed, heartfelt, realistic books that I’ve read in a long while. I can guarantee that you won’t be dissatisfied with this one. Pick up a copy or two for the young adult in your life. I myself anticipate the release of ‘Runaway Fire’. It can’t come out fast enough and once it does hit the shelves, I’ll be eagerly waiting in line with my copy.
February 8, 2010
This YA novel falls into the Adventure/Survival genre and will most likely appeal to fans of Will Hobbs or Gary Paulsen. Nate is fourteen turning fifteen and awash in teenage angst. His parents are in the middle of a divorce, his mom has uprooted him and relocated to NYC for a job, he has no friends, and, in general, is pretty annoyed about the changes to his life and his lack of control over them. When Nate's dad has to cancel a summer kayaking trip at the last minute, Nate decides he's had enough parental neglect and inconsideration. He flies home to Vancouver, enlists the help of a good friend, and sets out on a summer of coming of age and coming to terms with his life. Nate knows his parents will freak out when they discover he is missing, but decides that is the price he is willing to pay for this time away. Nate has a series of adventures while paddling around the Gulf Islands off the coast of Vancouver. He meets a group of runaways who really have it much worse than he, shipwrecks on an uninhabited island, runs out of provisions, and has a close encounter with a drug smuggler. Oh, and he kind of falls in love too. It is a bit hard to find Nate as a sympathetic character. He really doesn't have any serious problems in life as we know it, but then again, everything is relevant to our own perspective. He thinks his life sucks. He does grow and change throughout the novel, a contrived but positive plus. This is the first in a planned series. Will be interesting to see it where it goes. The chapter preview in the back of the book picks up the story of the runaways Nate first encounters on Galiano Island.
February 14, 2016
Runaway Storm
BY: D.E. Knobbe
PUBLISHED BY: Emerald Book Company
PUBLISHED IN: 2010
ISBN: 978-1-934572-35-1
Pages: 223
Ages: Young Adult
Reviewed by Billy Burgess
In the first book of the Runaway series, author D.E. Knobbe introduces us to an almost fifteen year-old boy named Nate. He’s a troubled kid who’s having problems adjusting to his parents split and the recent move to New York.
Nate decides he needs a break from his life and comes up with the prefect scheme. He’s going to go kayaking by himself. He tells his mother that his dad wants him to fly to Vancouver while she is away in Paris. He forgot to mention that his dad is on a business trip.
He is quickly on his way to Vancouver with two hundred dollars in cash and his mother’s credit card. When he arrives at his father’s place, he finds his birthday present - a brand new, yellow Kayak. Two of his friends, Mike and Eric, helps Nate buy supplies and help him get to Galiano Island.
Nate launches his Kayak into the waters unaware of the adventures and dangers ahead of him. From drug dealers, to runaways and even a goth girl, this is a journey Nate will never forget.
“Runaway Storm” is an exciting coming to age story. Male readers will easily connect with Nate and relate to some of the problems he faces. I will warn you that there is some mild language in this book. Overall, I enjoyed reading “Runaway Strom” and will look forward to the second installment in the series.
BY: D.E. Knobbe
PUBLISHED BY: Emerald Book Company
PUBLISHED IN: 2010
ISBN: 978-1-934572-35-1
Pages: 223
Ages: Young Adult
Reviewed by Billy Burgess
In the first book of the Runaway series, author D.E. Knobbe introduces us to an almost fifteen year-old boy named Nate. He’s a troubled kid who’s having problems adjusting to his parents split and the recent move to New York.
Nate decides he needs a break from his life and comes up with the prefect scheme. He’s going to go kayaking by himself. He tells his mother that his dad wants him to fly to Vancouver while she is away in Paris. He forgot to mention that his dad is on a business trip.
He is quickly on his way to Vancouver with two hundred dollars in cash and his mother’s credit card. When he arrives at his father’s place, he finds his birthday present - a brand new, yellow Kayak. Two of his friends, Mike and Eric, helps Nate buy supplies and help him get to Galiano Island.
Nate launches his Kayak into the waters unaware of the adventures and dangers ahead of him. From drug dealers, to runaways and even a goth girl, this is a journey Nate will never forget.
“Runaway Storm” is an exciting coming to age story. Male readers will easily connect with Nate and relate to some of the problems he faces. I will warn you that there is some mild language in this book. Overall, I enjoyed reading “Runaway Strom” and will look forward to the second installment in the series.
November 14, 2012
Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com
With his parents getting a divorce, 15-year-old Nate feels abandoned by his parents. Stealing a kayak, he sets off to some sparsely populated islands off the coast of Vancouver to get away from his life.
When he gets there, however, he meets some real runaways who make him feel like a fraud. Fighting to survive, find food, and to have shelter, he and the runaways team together to beat the odds.
Things aren't as hunky-dory as the group would hope, though. When a wild and crazy storm brings peril and cops chasing him, Nate is forced to take shelter on a small, remote island where he meets a Goth girl. When the storm also brings in a crazed drug smuggler who will do anything to protect his stash, things heat up and turn into a life-or-death situation. His only chance at survival depends on how well he can outsmart the enemy.
Can Nate save both himself and the girl?
The book starts off slow, but soon picks up and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The characters and plot are interesting, and the action in the story is intense. Those who like Gary Paulsen, action, adventure, and survival stories will all enjoy RUNAWAY STORM.
With his parents getting a divorce, 15-year-old Nate feels abandoned by his parents. Stealing a kayak, he sets off to some sparsely populated islands off the coast of Vancouver to get away from his life.
When he gets there, however, he meets some real runaways who make him feel like a fraud. Fighting to survive, find food, and to have shelter, he and the runaways team together to beat the odds.
Things aren't as hunky-dory as the group would hope, though. When a wild and crazy storm brings peril and cops chasing him, Nate is forced to take shelter on a small, remote island where he meets a Goth girl. When the storm also brings in a crazed drug smuggler who will do anything to protect his stash, things heat up and turn into a life-or-death situation. His only chance at survival depends on how well he can outsmart the enemy.
Can Nate save both himself and the girl?
The book starts off slow, but soon picks up and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The characters and plot are interesting, and the action in the story is intense. Those who like Gary Paulsen, action, adventure, and survival stories will all enjoy RUNAWAY STORM.
March 9, 2010
Nathan is a runaway even though life isn't too terrible for him but when his parents separate and he feels abandoned by both of them, he decides to steal his father's kayak to fulfill his life dream. He ends up in rough storms and battles nasty drug smugglers; meeting runaway friends along the way. Danger lurks in the string of islands off the west coast of Canada and the U.S., and the need for food, water, and safety becomes a battle too. Can Nate save himself and the Goth girl who saved his life? Or will he die trying?
I was very enthralled with Runaway Storm by D.E. Knobbe. I recommend this book to any teenager who would like an informative and highly likeable plot. Runaway Storm includes great detail and action scenes that portray believable scenarios. At the end of the book I was gripped with suspense and worry, tensions ran high - I loved the elaborate detail. Definitely a GOOD READ! —Rob
I was very enthralled with Runaway Storm by D.E. Knobbe. I recommend this book to any teenager who would like an informative and highly likeable plot. Runaway Storm includes great detail and action scenes that portray believable scenarios. At the end of the book I was gripped with suspense and worry, tensions ran high - I loved the elaborate detail. Definitely a GOOD READ! —Rob
August 30, 2011
Nate has had it with his parents. They don't even seem to notice that he's miserable, they are so caught up in their own lives. So he decides a solo kayak trip is just what he needs. Only he doesn't count on a some other runaways, a goth girl and some drug smugglers interrupting his vacation.
This was a great adventure story and although at first I thought it had too much detail, in the end I decided I really enjoyed it. I would read others in the series.
This was a great adventure story and although at first I thought it had too much detail, in the end I decided I really enjoyed it. I would read others in the series.
July 15, 2013
Let's see:
#1: Nate runs away from home to go kayaking alone, at age 14 going on 15, for an entire summer.
#2: Nate ran away from home partially because of Mom and Dad issues and thinks life is unfair.
#3: Nate gets a reality check and learns that this whole shabang won't go out as smoothly as expected.
I like this book. Not bad at all.
#1: Nate runs away from home to go kayaking alone, at age 14 going on 15, for an entire summer.
#2: Nate ran away from home partially because of Mom and Dad issues and thinks life is unfair.
#3: Nate gets a reality check and learns that this whole shabang won't go out as smoothly as expected.
I like this book. Not bad at all.
March 4, 2010
Suprisingly bland for what I pegged to be an action packed, great for teen guys read. It is, however, the first of a new series, so...Maybe the author is an ardent advocate of the lengthy introduction? We'll c.
December 14, 2013
I thought this might be a good addition to my classroom library for fans of Hatchet, but the language in it makes that impossible. I'll hold onto it for if I get transfered back to high school. As far as the storyline, I liked the second half of the book better than the first.
July 31, 2010
Liked this book. It could have had a little more action, but it was a nice quick read. I especially appreciated it after having just finished The Passage which took me forever to get through.
March 25, 2010
Exciting on the edge of your seat...fun, fun, fun, Molly
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews