Customer Reviews

Distant Echoes (Aloha Reef Series #1)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sink your teeth into a piece of ripe, juicy mango and inhale its fragrance as you meander through the monkeypod trees. Step out across sun-kissed sand and into the turquoise waves. Feel the nostrum of a dolphin bump your leg, begging you to come play. Take hold of the offered fin, and savor the ride as she leads you out into deeper waters.

No, you haven't entered a travel brochure. Allow me to introduce you to Colleen Coble's exotic new Hawaiian series, Aloha Reef.

In the opening chapters of book one, Distant Echoes, dolphin researcher Kaia Oana and her brothers are enjoying a typical day on the water. Her brothers fish as Kaia swims with Nani, one of the bottle-nosed dolphins she is teaching to communicate.

Then, as they prepare to head back to shore, disaster strikes. An errant missile sweeps past them and hits a tourist boat. Kaia and her brothers race to rescue survivors from the water as a military vessel hurries to the scene. Fatalities are few, but one casualty brings the tragedy close to home for Kaia and her family.

Lieutenant Commander Jesse Matthews watches the scene from his military vessel. Testing of the new missile defense system failed. But was it just a computer error? A witness on the tour boat claims the missile came straight at them, as if they were the target. And a recent break-in at the naval base raises the question: Was this just an accident, or did someone tamper with the missile system?

The security of the naval base is Jesse's main concern. He enlists Kaia and her dolphin to help protect the naval base waters after break-ins continue at the compound. But when stolen missile secrets turn up in Jesse's house, he and Kaia have no option but to continue the investigation on their own. As they search deeper for the truth, and members of their families become involved, the investigation takes on a frighteningly personal level.

Distant Echoes drew me in from page one. Colleen Coble's rich descriptions swept me across the ocean and placed me firmly on Hawaiian soil. I could smell the tropical air, hear the surf against the beach, and see the gentle movements of the hula. Not to mention feel the terror of coming face to face with a cane spider!

If you are in need of an imaginary vacation, and you're looking for a romantic suspense with lifelike characters, and a plot that will keep you guessing right to the last page, then Distant Echoes is the book for you.

In Distant Echoes, the first in Colleen Coble's newest Aloha series, the writing blew me away! I was pulled into the story from the opening line and was not able to put the book down until I'd read the last word! The characters were so well-written, I felt as if I really knew them...the plot was perfectly paced, and packed with suspense! My highest recommendation! If you get one book this summer, spend your time with the characters in Distant Echoes!!! Don't miss this excellent book!
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As a life long Hawaii resident I can only apperciate the amount of research it took Colleen Coble to recreate that which is uniquely Hawaii. From the first page it was a sophisticated weaving of the familial, political, and spiritual wrapped up in a romantic suspense which makes Colleen such a sophisticated writer. She nailed all that makes Hawaii such a melting pot of different cultures. Colleen's use of Nani the dolphin is so lifelike the dolphin seems to be a character in herself. I would highly recommend this book to anybody who loves a good read or interested in knowing more about Hawaii and its unique culture.

Distant Echos paints a beautiful picture of Hawaii. Fast paced and a little romance. this was the first book by Coble that I have read. I definately plan to read more. I loved Nani the dolphin,and her trainer Kaia.

Coble captures Hawaii beautifully, and provides an interesting plot to keep our interest. I loved all the dolphin stuff and engaged in all the struggles of the characters. An enjoyable read that will keep you on the edge of the ocean. Dive in!

Distant Echoes wraps you into a world of espionage, intrigue, and love set in the tropical paradise of Hawaii where the native culture conflicts with the Navy presence.

Colleen Coble creates characters you can love including a dolphin that nearly steals the show. These characters struggle with political and social issues while at the same time worrying about their own jobs and families. Once I got started I could not set it down. I suggest reading this book in the morning.

Colleen Coble has done it again! This book is amazing. Truely great writing just as in The Rock Harbor series! I was delighted by the cameo of Bree, Kade, Samson, & Davey! Keep them coming Colleen, I can't wait for Black Sands!!

Colleen Coble writes a great story. The good thing about her books is that you don't have to worry about having to read through all of the added trash that so many authors feel they have to put in their books to make them marketable. This is a good clean story with Christian beliefs peppered throughout. She keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to get to the end and on to the next book in the series. Once you start reading it, you can't put it down. Highly recommended!

I wish I could say I read it in one day. I'm not that fast, but I wanted to do it in one day. It took two days. It was hard to go to sleep, not knowing what was going to happen next.

The suspense builds from one chapter to another, with one event compounding another, making the mystery more unravelable. Kaia Oana wants to complete communication research with dolphins, specifically her favorite, Nani. But in the meantime, her new Seaworthy Labs boss orders her to help with a security problem at the nearby Naval base on Kaua'i Island, Hawaii. A Navy guard was killed, followed by Kaia's cousin's vacationer-pontoon being blown to bits by an out-of-control Navy missile. Related? It looks that way after a scuba diver (treasurer of the "Pele Hawai'i organization) dies from a dart gun attack. Murder, espionage, on top of a fun visit to Hawaii for those of us who can't afford to go. But is it safe? Only the great Kahuna knows.

Several of this book's characters are Christian. Not sermon-soap-box preaching characters, but everyday people trying to live right, with a few sins and downfalls along the way, but forgiven. Even these good people get into trouble, or are surrounded with adversity in their world. Subtle but sincere Christian living is a trademark of author Colleen Coble's books. It makes her murder, mystery, suspense books Christian fiction--well written--believable.

This particular book, with all the suspense, murder, romance, and dolphin delight, seems to have an underlying theme of trust and forgiveness. It's an enjoyable way to study those two attributes.

And always, the Coble bit of romance, with love "as wild and unpredictable as a Kona wind."

Now I need to move on to book 2. "Distant Echoes" is #1 of four books in Colleen Coble's "The Aloha Reef Series."

Also see "Anathema" and the "Lonestar Series" by Coble.
Mahalo (Hawaiian thank you) for a helpful vote.
Aloha, and enjoy this read.

I have come to enjoy this author and her style. I have read all of Dee Henderson's books, and put Ms Coble on her level. This book was good and so are the books in her series Rock Harbor. I couldn't stop reading until I had finished all of those.