13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Take an imaginary vacation, September 29, 2005
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.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Colleen Coble Just Keeps Getting Better!, July 3, 2005
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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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Colleen's Done it Again!, May 27, 2005
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.
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