Through the Fire (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Adrian “A-O” O’Neill comes from a long line of Reno firefighters. A day before the 10-year anniversary of his dad’s death in a fire, A-O defies orders and attempts to rescue a child thought to be trapped in a burning house. His actions get him suspended, prompting a trip to Mexico to visit his uncle, yet another ex-fireman. While there, A-O puts his own life in peril once again to save a drowning boy. Will this successful rescue save him from his guilt over all that has gone wrong at home? Apparently not. Never completely recovering from the loss of his father caused him to lose his fiancée and possibly his nerve, for now the idea of entering a blaze terrifies him. Enter Julianne Caldwell, a fire-prevention analyst, who helps A-O find the faith to work through his demons, even as an arsonist terrorizes the town. This debut novel certainly shows that Grady has promise as an author of faith-based action adventures, especially if he overcomes a tendency to overwrite. --Mary Frances Wilkens

Review

Relying on his experience as both firefighter and paramedic, first time novelist Shawn Grady pens a sizzling suspense thriller.... The story's protagonist, Aidan O'Neill, is cocky, confident, self-righteous, bitter and lonely and yet the reader will be able to identify with him. The supporting cast is well-rounded and easy to empathize with, in regard to their personalities and stories. The underlying romance adds to the redemptive flow and healing process as Julianne and Aidan wrestle with personal issues that affect their individual lives and their work together.

The author's descriptive, imaginative word pictures help recreate life and death situations in Through The Fire. Shawn Grady's debut novel is an exploding blend of extreme action, sweet romance, and constant danger, to say the least. --Dale Lewis, TitleTrakk.com

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House; 1 edition (July 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764205951
• ISBN-13: 978-0764205958
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #804,331 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Through the Fire, June 25, 2009

By	Janet Ann Collins "Writer and Speaker" (California, United States) - See all my reviews

Obviously Grady knows from experience what fighting fires is like, because this exciting book is completely realistic. Reading it is like actually being involved in the action. I was afraid I wouldn't like the book because it would be more of a "guy" thing, but it has character development and just enough romance so women will enjoy it too. The religious aspects are also realistically part of the story and the book is not one of those cram-Jesus-down-the-reader's-throat types at all. It's mainly a thrilling action adventure. Often I figure out mystery plots, but this one kept me guessing until the answer was revealed by the author. I read it all in one evening, because I couldn't put it down.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Promising First Novel, June 23, 2009

By	Richard Mabry "author, retired physician" (Frisco, TX, USA) - See all my reviews

Shawn Grady, with more than a decade's experience as a firefighter and paramedic, brings authenticity to every page of this debut novel about a troubled firefighter, seeking to solve the puzzle of his father's death while battling his own personal demons. Grady has a great ability to paint word pictures, and although the technical language and details seem a bit daunting at first, I soon found myself caught up in the struggle between man and that most primitive and powerful of forces: fire.
Unapologetically Christian in its viewpoint and message, the novel marks a promising start to a writing career for which I predict significant success. I'll certainly be waiting to read Grady's next book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Debut Novel, July 14, 2009

By	Jeanette Hanscome "Writer and book lover" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Aiden O'Neill is haunted by his father's death, struggling to hold onto a fizzling relationship with his fiance, and fearing that he has lost his sixth sense for fighting fires. When a careless move almost causes a rookie's death, Aiden's life seems to crumble around him--until a series of fires terrorizes the city of Reno. Could there be a connection between the arson and his father's tragic end?

Reno firefighter and debut novelist Shawn Grady weaves a fast-paced story of dedication, courage, mystery, and God's ability to bring answers. As a citizen of Reno I enjoyed seeing familiar locations pop up on the page. But you need not be a local to enjoy this story. Most of all I got caught in the author's amazing gift for words, characters, and bringing the reality of fighting fires to life through a plot that often left me wondering if I could have my son make dinner just one more time. It's hard to belief this is a first novel.