Customer Reviews

Run to the Sun

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Robert Dave's RUN TO THE SUN hooks you with great characters...sweeps you along on a cascade of startlingly original plot twists...lifts you up with the great, classic themes of love, loyalty, and justice...and -- wham! -- spins you around with a surprise finish that combines adrenaline-rush excitement with deep emotional satisfaction. I raced through the entire novel in one long, breathless read; no doubt many others will run the story's fast-paced gauntlet just as breathlessly.

Dave's protagonist, Dr. Michael Santorini, is a brilliant yet unassuming Hawaii-based psychologist. The vulnerably adoring father of two, Santorini is a man you can care about -- and cheer for. From the exciting courtroom-battle setpiece that launches the action, to the grueling Far West mountain trek that eventually uncovers a long-hidden, bloody secret, Santorini gets knocked down more than once. But he always comes up fighting and, even more impressively, he retains a full range of tenderness and depth of sensitivity.

At first Santorini is "merely" determined to win back his young children from a corrupt system. But when his estranged ex-wife is murdered...and Santorini is the chief suspect...he finds hs world spinning out of control. Not only is the law gunning for him; Santorini also finds himself caught up in the sinister machinations of an evil, overseas military-industrial complex. Before he can reclaim his life, the fugitive doctor will be tested physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ultimately even spiritually. What makes Robert Dave's central character so appealing is not merely his courage and resourcefulness; those are qualities we expect from every thriller hero. Santorini's real charisma grows from the fact that this obviously accomplished, capable man is nevertheless perpetually willing to learn, change, and grow on every level.

Like its hero, RUN TO THE SUN is a novel with a lot on its mind. The fascintating plot touches on everything from the creation mythology of Latin American Indians, to the dazzling potential for hi-tech brainwave research...from restoring the besmirched honor of a famed hero of early American history, to exposing the complacent sexism that perverts too many of today's U.S. child-custody rulings. Blending imaginative (yet logical) scientific speculation with furiously passionate, street-gritty social reporting, RUN TO THE SUN is part Hitchcock and part Heinline, with a garnish of Grisham and a trace of B. Traven. In the end, though, it's all Robert Dave: a writer who can heighten the pulse, intrigue the intellect, and tug the heartstrings with equal skill. RUN TO THE "BUY" BUTTON and order your copy now!

Marcus Webb Senior VP & Editorial Director INSIDEDVD, Versatile Media One Altadena, California

I get in a rut of buying books only from name-brand authors (Grisham, Clancy, Ludlum, etc.), so it was with a ho-hum attitude that I purchased RUN TO THE SUN on a friend's recommendation. What a delightful surprise!

I typically stick to the CIA / FBI / White House style thrillers. Run to the Sun was a refreshing change for me (theme that is). It had as much action and intrigue as all of my "name brand" authors, and I thoroughly enjoyed the perspective of Dr. Santorini (psychologist, runner and superdad). The characters in the novel were priceless, too. I actually purchased three more copies of this book as gifts for friends (something I NEVER do even with Grisham and Clancy novels).

I'm a frequent business traveler and devour books like this on flights (confession: I started this book on a flight and found myself blowing off work the next day so I could finish Dave's novel! Hope my boss isn't reading this!).

I now find myself in bookstores and airport shops scanning the "new release" section for Bob Dave's next novel. Anyone out there now when this is coming?!?!?!?!

I recommend adding this guy to your must read list. It's a terrific book!

I AM RETIRED AND HAVE AMPLE TIME TO READ NOVELS. MANY NOVELS OF THIS GENRE ARE WRITTEN BY FORMULA AND BECOME DULL. THE AUTHOR HAS USED HIS UNDERSTANDING OF PEOPLE AND SENSE OF INTRIGUE TO ENTICE AND DELIGHT THE READER. THIS NOVEL IS FULL OF SURPRISES. THE PLOT BEGINS WITH AN EVERYDAY CUSTODY BATTLE FOR CHILDREN AND EVOLVES INTO A WORLD OF EVIL AND CRUELTY.

WITH EVERY PAGE, THIS READER WANTED TO SEE REVENGE AND JUSTICE. THE CHARACTERS IN THE BOOK ARE EASY TO IDENTIFY WITH AND I AM EAGER TO READ MR. DAVE'S NEXT BOOK. I TRUST HE WILL CONTINUE TO USE HIS TALENT IN A FRESH AND INVIGORATING STYLE.

This is the best novel I've read in years. The story is riveting, with unpredictable twists, and so well woven that it's difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction. Indeed, the fiction is believable! I couldn't put the book down and raced to finish it, then read it again slowly, savoring the details.

I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I couldn't put it down because there was never a safe place to do so. For two days I became a part of the lives of these characters and couldn't wait to find out what happened to each one of them.

The book was full of surprises, the biggest one being "M" (I won't spoil it for you); the suspense of the protagonist working through his dilemma with her fragile, unpredictable, violent mind.

I loved this book and have recommended it to everyone I know. I'm looking forward to a sequel, or another great adventure by this brilliant author. This would make a fantastic movie.

Be prepared! Once you start this book you cannot put it down! I totally enjoyed his playfulness with words and descriptions and I was delighted by the historical background. It is obvious the author knows his field and uses it skilfully to enhance the mystery and plot development. Dave' held my attention the way Grisham does with law. Can't wait for the next book.

"Others have summarized the plot quite nicely here, so I'll cut right to the chase:
Run to the Sun is thoroughly enjoyable, marvelously creative, and totally engrossing."
Robert Dave certainly had me wanting to turn the pages.
It was difficult to put down.
I loved it!

Jonathan Kellerman, watch your back! I think you've met your match! The psychological suspense was intricately devised . This was a great read and I couldn't put it down. Davé's use of language delighted me --laughing in spite of being terrified is something I don't often experience. It was sheer pleasure to read a book so finely crafted.

Robert Davé practices as a clinical and forensic psychologist in theState of Hawaii, and is a former professor at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, and also California State University in Chico. Run To The Sun is his first novel, and his character, psychologist Michael Santorini seems to be a mirror image of Robert Davé.

Michael Santorini is a psychologist who is completely crazy about his kids. He and his ex-wife Mona are locked in a bitter custody battle where Mona is pulling no punches. She employs "Large Marge," an unethical social worker who skewed results of psychological testing to imply Michael would be an unfit father. Fortunately, Michael's attorney, Farley Parker Howe, is a master at unmasking incompetence:

"Farley swooped in. `So then, Ms. Sloggett, would it be correct to say that when you concluded Dr. Santorini had both a Narcissistic AND a Histrionic Personality Disorder on the basis of his MCMI scores being above 60, you were unaware of Stephen Strack's empirical findings that `normal persons obtain base-rate scores significantly greater than 60 on the Narcissistic and Histrionic scales of the MCMI?"

When the judge rules in Michael's favor, wife Mona abducts the children to California. Michael races across stateside after her, only to seehis former wife shot dead before his eyes. Michael is, naturally, the #1 suspect, since he threatened his wife only the day before in the waiting room before going to court. What he doesn't realize is that his flight and efforts to restore his innocence will lead to a national dragnet with him as the star; a foray into psychological research thatis both terrifying and cutting edge; and a historic rendezvous with famous legends.

Run to the Sun is blockbuster material. I was glued to every page andfelt the familiar pang of remorse when the book ended. Davé takes the reader on a thrilling international spy ride. Michael must begin with only his wits. He joins forces with a small group of "above average" characters to crack secrets that rise up out of the ashes of the Third Reich to free himself and those he cares about and to reunite with his two children. A stunning read.

Shelley Glodowski, Reviewer

Dave's book is a winner, both as a thriller and a piece of engaging writing. His characters are memorable, likeable and believable. His ear for dialogue is very keen and on target. Best of all, he has a great wit, which comes through on every page, all the while keeping us in suspense with a great plot.