Novels by Erik Therme I received these books for free from the author in exchange for honest reviews. What a treat!
Roam
Erik Therme’s writing is very well done. It’s clear that he has done the hard work of editing and is smart enough to work with an editor.
I got involved in the story immediately with characters who are flawed, likable and not so likable. Pretty much like most of us. Sarah, Kevin and Scotty are compelling as they go through their difficult journeys and decide what to share with each other and what to hold back.
I wanted more of the story because Sarah and Kevin, even more than Scotty. Such as what might come next, what was more of the background of their stories. In other words, I think there could be a next story!
While this novel is intended for the YA market many readers in that age group, adults will be drawn to this story and remember when.
Mortom
The story centers around Andy with a primary part being played by his sister Kate. Their cousin dies. He leaves Andy his home and belongings, provided he can solve a puzzle by the end of the week. As children, they shared a joy of puzzles, so at first Andy thinks the game will be fun.
While some authors with the typical cast of small town locals—the eccentric old lady, smart youthful teen, wise garage/store owner, Therme gives them each a twist on the usual. You don’t feel you’re reading pat characterizations. One character conveys a lot in a short paragraph. Erik describes him beating with a shovel on the grave of the recently deceased cousin.
Although there is a small cast, the speed of the storyline makes you think there are more of them.
Things quickly become complicated and Kate tries repeatedly to end the game. Andy’s single-mindedness continues to drive him forward. The story escalates and gets added to in a believable way with the resolution coming in strong.
As with ROAM, it’s clear that Erik Therme pays attention to the craft of writing and works with a strong editor. You won’t find inconsistent voices or grammatical errors.
Want a speedy read with a thrill or two? Pick up Mortom.
Resthaven
This book is YA. Because I have enjoyed Erik’s two previous books, Mortom and Roam, I was happy to read and review this one.
Wow is not a very eloquent for someone who loves words, but it spins off the top of my head as appropriate. I can easily add, what a ride! Erik’s novel of teenage girls was so spot on about their behavior that I’m guessing he has daughters, nieces, and sisters. He probably channelled some of them in order to write so clearly. Not that I want to detract from his imagination. Because right when you think, oh this is going to happen … guess what? It doesn’t. The characters are memorable and even with a cast of five girls, you remembered who was who from words, tone and body language description.
This is not a scary book, but it is one with an incredible pace. Because Mr. Therme moves the story so quickly, you have anxiety about getting to the next scene and the next and breathing at the end. So don’t read when you want to relax.
Erik’s writing was great from the first book and just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait to see how he keeps moving forward.
Keep Her Close
Every chapter is a twist.
This is the fourth Erik Therme novel I’ve devoured. They are well-written, well-edited, great stories. Keep Her Close was a constant guessing game! The characters are real and developed. It’s easy to step into each of their shoes as the point of view changes from chapter to chapter.
For parents Holly and Dan, letting daughter Ally move out on her own was difficult enough. But someone claiming to be her birth father pops into the picture and what will happen next?
Just as I thought I knew what might happen with the story line, it went an entirely different direction. The story weaves along one train for a while. I thought I figured out where it might be going, only to get another huge twist.
For any youth venturing out on your own, read this book. Be wary of what you think you know at the brilliant age of 18. Guess what? You don’t.
For parents–well, don’t read it, you already have enough to worry about with your kids out in the world! How do you do it?
If She Dies
As with Mr. Therme’s previous books, the first thing to strike me is that he is a really good writer. There aren’t wasted words or scenes you read and think, did I need to know that? He pulls you into the complexity of his stories with clear descriptions of people and setting.
In If She Dies, you are drawn into an emotional story of the heartbreak and tragedy of parents losing their five-year-old. Grief hits and is handled by each of us intwined with the uniqueness of our faiths and life experiences and support systems. The mother, Tess, and the father, Josh, are at crossroads in how they deal with losing their little girl. Tess spends her days observing the adolescent daughter of the man who killed her child. He’s in prison, but his family lives their days without consequence for his actions. Or do they?
Read: Why I Review Books
and read another author I like, Duncan Simpson
Every once in a while, I find a young adult novel that I really enjoy. I guess we’ve all been young adults at one time or another. I’m not so familiar with Erik Therme’s work, but I’ll have to check him out! How great that you got a few of his books sent to you for free!
Reading YA is a great way to change up our reading, isn’t it? Especially if I have been reading heavy things like WWII books. Let me know how you like Erik.