The Fire Watcher [Kindle Edition]

Chip Hill (Author)

Book Description

Jacob Adams was living the American dream: a loving family, a new home, and a high-profile job designing the world's first atomic power plant. But when tragedy strikes his family, he turns to alcohol to deaden his pain and grief. He becomes an alcoholic and eventually loses his home, his job, and his faith. Thirty years later Jacob lives in poverty in the shadow of the now defunct power plant, where he works as a janitor. Jacob's life takes one more unexpected turn when he becomes trapped in the pitch-black recesses of the plant. In his forced sobriety, the bitter memories he has been drowning for decades begin to surface all around him, dragging him into a pit of regret and despair. Suffering the ravages of alcohol withdrawal combined with the chilling effects of sensory deprivation, he embarks on an emotional and spiritual journey that will take him to the brink of insanity and back. Before his captivity comes to an end, Jacob -- like his namesake from the Old Testament -- will find himself wrestling with God. The town sheriff, a State Police detective, and even a local priest, follow different clues as they search for Jacob. The widening mystery touches off a cascade of changes in the lives of those connected to him. A friendship broken by betrayal is mended, a long abandoned romance is rekindled, dark secrets about the power plant and its caretakers come to light, and a young man's life is forever altered as he uncovers the tragedy that sent Jacob spiraling downward so many years ago.

Product Details

• File Size: 451 KB
• Print Length: 424 pages
• Publisher: WinePress Publishing (July 28, 2010)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004E10XPS
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,107 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Confessions of a Cleithrophobe January 13, 2011

By Steve Taylor TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A couple of weeks ago Amazon had recommended "The Fire Watcher" to me so, as always, I looked into it. I'm always interesting in new authors and what they have to offer. What I found was a book that had 33 five star reviews (and nothing less, which is unheard of) but none of them were "Amazon Verified Purchases" so being the inquisitive soul that I am I questioned my findings. Chip graciously responded with a challenge... offering me a free copy as long as I gave him an honest review. I accepted and said I would buy another copy if I liked the book. I ordered the other copy prier to writing this review.

Many things stand out while reading this book. First of all the writing is superb. One would never know this was an author's first novel much less the author disguises himself as an electrician during the day. Chip says he took ten years to write it and I believe him. It's very well thought out and executed. Even with all the flashbacks the reader is never confused or lost. The characters are real people, rich and deep, not just names on a page. They are people just like you and me. Most of my reading has characters who are looking for serial killers, stopping terrorists, shooting star ships or riding on giant eagles. The Fire Watcher is made up of blue-collar workers in a realistic setting with real life situations. In my opinion capturing real life is much harder then simply writing actor's lines on paper.

A major aspect of this story bothered me. I suffer from Cleithrophobia and this story hit me in a most uncomfortable way. Small spaces don't bother me but being trapped in them does. Our main character, Jake, is locked in a small room underground. He is there for a reason and we are there right with him. We see his life and as we do we see our own. My life paralleled his more then I would like to admit but then I think it will affect everyone is some way, if not his, then the life of someone around him. Jake runs from God into the arms of Jim Beam and becomes addicted to alcohol, while being judged by others who over-eat, smoke like chimneys, cheat on their spouse etc. These characters are real. One may be you.

I only give five stars to books that are life changing. This book clearly falls into that category and I am not giving this rating because of pressure from Chip. The message of a loving God that seeks after us when we leave Him is very powerful. To what extent will Jesus go to find His lost sheep? What circumstances will He create and whom will he send to draw us back to Himself. He does not force us or bypass our free will but He does reach out to us with His love and forgiveness. All we have to do is answer the call. The question is "Will Jake answer it?" The ending may not be what you would expect but it is fantastic non-the-less.

The story is never preachy or contrived. The tale flows naturally and always puts the reader right in the middle of the situation. Approximately 33 pages in the beginning are all naration. No one talks. It worked for me but if it bothers you, do not give up. It's all worth it.

Now for the problems with the book. (Yes, it's not perfect) Catholicism plays a big part in this story. While I think Chip was gracious to the organization I think it was not very accurate. I was born and raised a devout Catholic. I firmly believe that it is a cult. It took years of man-made religion, drinking, drugs and near death before I came to Christ. It took someone outside the church to tell me the Gospel because no one inside knew what it was. This may offend some people but if you've ever shared the Gospel with a devout Catholic you'll know what I mean. Most of my family are still trapped, rejecting the clear Truth found in Scripture. I could go on for hours here but I wont. In the story we are exposed to confession (to a priest), novenas, mass, the rosary and even Ash Wednesday. If one were not familiar with Catholicism they would think these are innocent events but when compared the God's Word they are very dangerous. I'll leave it at that. Don't skip this book because of this, just be aware. Dave Hunt has a good book on the subject "A Woman Rides the Beast" if you are interested in reading more. For the record I do believe there are Catholics that are saved but not because of their church but in spite of it.

There needs to be unity in the body of Christ and maybe that was Chip's message but the way I see it unity needs to be based on Truth not compromise. Sure there are small differences and always will be but major Biblical foundations must be the same otherwise the unity will be fake and the world will be deceived.

One more thing I found odd but I can't mention much about it here because it would give too much away. Anytime I read something that an author writes I wonder if it's his opinion or that of the character. In this case I wonder if Chip believes in eternal punishment. The topic is brought up but not answered. Maybe when you read the book you'll catch what I mean.

In my closing statement I'll say this. READ THIS BOOK. Ignore the back cover synopsis because it's much better then that. It really is a page-turner and hard to put down. You laugh, cry and be moved. (Okay, I didn't cry but you might). I can't wait another 10 years for Chip Hill to pen another book so I hope he gets crackin'..

Note: This book is really heavy. I kid you not. It's twice the weight of another book the same size. Could be because the paper is a higher quality or maybe the gravitational pull of the earth is stronger at my house. Good news is it just came out for the Kindle. I heard those e-readers are very light.

1 Star = Pathetic
2 Stars = Fair
3 Stars = Good
4 Stars = Excellent
5 Stars = Life changing

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Read From Page One Through the Epilogue August 12, 2010

By Donna E. Irons-Zimmerman

Format:Paperback

I found this book to be a patchwork quilt of people, stories and human conditions that were so seamlessly woven together that resulting connection among the characters brought you great comfort. This is an unexpected level of craftsmanship for a first-time author, with a story that touches your heart and compells you from the very first page to keep moving forward to see how each and every story-line wraps up. The writing is detailed, imaginative, soulful; you find yourself emoting right along with the characters in the book. Further, the messages of the story are well played out without pigeonholing this story into one particluar genre. The Fire Watcher is a mystery, love story, story of redemption...it fits well with many interests.

The background of the story held particular interest to me as I found myself trying to ascimliate the real from the fiction. I liked the pace of the story and the alternating of present and past. My only regret was the conclusion. I would be more specific, but I can't give away the ending.

The Fire Watcher, by Chip Hill, is a great read that will hold your interest and challenge your heart from page one through the Epilogue. If this is Mr. Hill's first novel, I can only imagine what lies ahead for this young author.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic book August 7, 2010

By Jen

Format:Paperback

I found myself unable to put this book down! The style & sequencing in which it was written, following multiply story lines, made it captivating. I felt like I knew the characters and couldn't wait to see how their lives played out. The complete heart change experienced by each throughout the book, as well as the unexpected turns the story took, made this a book definitely worth reading. I have reccommended this book to everyone I know!