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Shawn H … loving the book so far. Can’t wait to finish it. It keeps my attention, for sure.
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Rennie K I read the book Great book please get it and read.
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From AMAZON
By Seadog48 on September 12, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Verified Purchase
Full Disclosure: I sailed with Mr. Foreman for several years when he was Chief Engineer on a 903 ft. container ship. I knew he was a skilled and very capable marine engineer but had no idea he was a good storyteller as well.
After Shock is a very timely work of fiction, especially after the recent damage and destruction to Houston and Florida caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. We live in uncertain times and besides the danger of natural disasters such as earthquake, tsunami, floods, and raging wild fires, etc., we also live in the shadow of threats from terrorists and unstable world leaders such as Kim Jung Un. Aftershock is the story of one man, Malcolm Jones, who survives the after effects of a 9.2 earthquake centered off the Pacific Northwest. He also finds himself in the unfamiliar role as a hero when he sets out to help his friends and neighbors and, farther afield, the hard hit communities along the river.
Malcolm is a techie of sorts and has a lot of state of the art equipment aboard the Southern Cross. Usually my eyes glaze over when an author begins to wax eloquent about the latest technical marvel in electronics, armaments, computers or any specialized field. Not in this case because the equipment is described in a way that non-techies like me can understand and each item is neatly woven into the story. Part of the appeal of this book, besides the story line, is that it is a sensible no-nonsense guideline, in narrative form, on how to rig a boat to survive a disaster and offers some sound advice to first responders and government agencies such as FEMA on how to use well equipped boats and old salts with a lot of practical knowledge to provide aid and assistance to stricken communities. When bridges are down, roads impassable and areas isolated, boats may be the last best hope in a severe emergency.
Malcolm Jones, our hero, is a very capable man and the kind you would like to have at your side in a tight spot. The ladies along the river, with a penchant for the strong silent type, seem to be attracted to him as well. He reminds me a little of Travis McGee, one of my favorite fictional characters. Although there are a few skirmishes along the river, I would have enjoyed seeing him up against an arch villain who is terrifying the stricken communities that are ill equipped to defend themselves. Perhaps such a foe will appear in the sequel.
Mr. Foreman uses flashbacks sparingly to tell the backstory of how Malcolm became a sailor and proud owner of the Southern Cross. I really enjoyed these parts of the book that go back to the early days when Malcolm was cruising the Caribbean and learning the ropes. A good chief engineer always has a little “sleeve oil” on hand for an emergency. That is a bit of additional fuel up his sleeve that is not on the books; an extra margin of safety to be used when needed. I am sure Mr. Foreman has a few Caribbean tales up his sleeve to be used in later books when needed. Aftershock is a thoroughly enjoyable book and a worthy first effort. I look forward to reading more from this author and hope he writes more about the Caribbean ports and the colorful characters who inhabit the islands in future novels.
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From AMAZON
By Dixie Thomas on August 28, 2017
Format: Paperback|
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed reading this book. I could imagine being right there with Malcolm, all the characters were very believable. I can’t wait for the next book to continue the series. This author and I were friends and neighbors in high school, it has been wonderful to learn what a talented writer he has become.
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From AMAZON
By Dixie Thomas on August 28, 2017
Format: Paperback|
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed reading this book. I could imagine being right there with Malcolm, all the characters were very believable. I can’t wait for the next book to continue the series. This author and I were friends and neighbors in high school, it has been wonderful to learn what a talented writer he has become.
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From AMAZON
4.0 out of 5 stars
and so we watch his struggle to recoup from this emotional earthquake
By matilda on August 3, 2017
Format: Paperback|
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Aftershock: A Voyage of the Southern Cross
A short novel that ingeniously combines fictional and factual information, in dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake along the west coast here in the USA, specifically the Columbia River, starting in Portland, Oregon. For those of you who have lived along the west coast, the geographical references will be of high interest, I found myself referring to a map a time or two as I read the book. I am sure nautically knowledgeable people and land lubbers alike, are nodding their heads in agreement with the preparations and maneuvers made by Malcolm. As a “land lubber” myself, I found myself thinking…’oh! Wouldn’t have thought to do that!” several times thru the story.
The earthquake plot runs parallel to Malcolm’s disaster in his marriage, after returning from Afghanistan only to be sued for divorce by his wife….which is more historically common than not with our returning military….and so we watch his struggle to recoup from this emotional earthquake, and deal with his personal aftershocks. We read of his struggles of putting his life back together and watch his resistance at being in a committed relationship. For the helpless romantic, the final chapters offers a chance at a sequel as we are left hanging, wondering if Malcolm will decide to commit to one of the ladies he has been keeping company with….but time will tell if that question will be answered.
All in all….a pretty good read, the author provides us background information that is critical to the story line, by offering us “flashback” information, which was much appreciated by this reader. If you get the chance, read the book and let your inner nautical (or inner landlubber) person enjoy a diary, of sorts, of some of the adventures of Malcolm Jones!
Proud to say I know this author and kudos to you on your first book!!!
H. Frank Foreman 