Eruption

Storm Runners #3

by Roland Smith, Ramón de Ocampo (Narrator)

The thrilling conclusion to Roland Smith's fast-paced action series.NARRATOR: Ramon de OcampoFORMAT: 3 CDs, UnabridgedThe adventures aren't over yet for Chase Masters and his dad. In this third installment, Chase heads south of the border with his friend Nicole Rossi to track down the Rossi Brothers Circus--lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes and all--after a massive earthquake hits Mexico. With a volcano threatening to erupt as a result of the disaster, Chase has never faced such a serious threat to his survival!

Genres: Adventure, Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Action, Childrens

Audiobook

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Roland Smith is an American author of young adult fiction as well as nonfiction books for children.
Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Portland State University and, following a part-time job at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, began a 20-year career as a zookeeper, both at the Oregon Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. After working to save wildlife following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, in 1990, he published his first book, Sea Otter Rescue, a non-fiction account of the process of animal rescue. Smith continued to draw upon his zoo experiences for other non-fiction titles, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996.
In 1997, Smith published his first novel, Thundercave. The book continues Smith's theme, as teenage protagonist Jacob Lansa follows his biologist father to Africa where the father is researching elephants. The Lansa character also appears in 1999
s Jaguar and 2001's The Last Lobo. Other novels by Smith include The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Zach's Lie, Jack's Run, Cryptid Hunters, Sasquatch (novel), about a boy who searches for Bigfoot. Peak, the story of a teenage boy obsessed with climbing mountains, Elephant Run and Tentacles(novel). In 2008, Smith published the first book in the series I, Q, titled Independence Hall. Smith's books have won "Book of the Year" awards in Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as in his native Oregon. Smith lives in Tualatin, Oregon with his wife and stepchildren.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great conclusion to the series I will definitely be recommending these books!!

[Dyllan Schulze · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book series was one of my favorite. I like the ending of this book wear Nicole and Chase made up. if i could i would read all three of tease again.

[Keegan Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reason why I chose to read this book is because the book has a lot of suspense in it and it is a very good book to read. Also when I was younger I read the other two books and really enjoyed them. I wanted to get to read the last one but never had the time so I took this opportunity and i can say that i am very pleased that i did. I have always been a fan of storms and suspense so this book and all the others ones were a great fit for me. The book only had 165 pages but in those pages fits so much detail and with all the detail I was able to get a good image in my head of what everything looked like. Before I read this book I had a pretty good understanding on how the author Ronald Smith was going to introduce ideas and how he was going to curve the story.

Before I read any of the books I had no idea who the author was and what kind of rollercoaster he was going to take me on. But to my surprise he made me feel like I was with them and even when i was reading along I could feel the fright, terror, happiness and sadness that all the other characters were feeling. I understood what he was trying to get me to see and what type of imagery he wanted me to explore. When i went to get this book i was hoping to get that feeling that the author has given me before and he fulfilled that wish with ease.

Besides the other books in the series I have never read a book that had me on the edge of my seat like the author Ronald Smith had. The author did a good job with lining up the books so that the would ‘fit” one another and make sense on what was going on so you were not reading a book confused.



The author Ronald Smith uses many “vivid colors” while writing the book Storm Runners:Eruption. That means that he does a great job on showing you what the atmosphere around you is like and you can get a picture as clear as glass. With the author putting you in the story it really helps you understand the situation that they are in and why they are doing what they are doing.

My favorite part of the book is towards the end where most of the suspense build up is happening like are they going to make it or are they going to die? What is going to happen? My least favorite part of the book is in between the beginning and the middle of the book where things are sort of calm and not a lot of things going on.

I have always know how dangerous bad storms could be but by the end I truly could see the kind of destruction a bad storm can bring and do to objects around it. I think the central or main idea of the book is to show that there are people who chase storms for a living and Ronald Smith wanted to show what they had to do to prepare and how they handle a sticky situation like the giant storms that we see everywhere.

[Annie Bolke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that Eruption was a great way to end the Storm Runners series. It started right where the other one left of. Chase, his Dad, Tomás, Nicole, Cindy and Mark, all travel to Mexico to try to find the missing Rossi Brothers Circus. When they get there, their is an earthquake going on, and they try to drive up a volcano, that has not really erupted a lot. They need to get to Lago de Montaña, a small village where Tomas´s family lives, and it´s where the circus is stranded. One of the circus trucks crashed, some animals got loose, and now there is a vicious tiger on the loose.

[Alejandro Fernandez · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was so good it was funny and scary because people come out of the ground and eat other people.My opinion on this book is good becasuse it is fun to read it.I would recommend this book to my friends because they like to read scary books.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

After surviving the category-5 hurricane of the two previous novels, Chase, Rashawn and Nicole find themselves in another adventure. A new disaster, namely an earthquake, begins Mexico, and leaves Chase, John and Nicole no time to rest. With Rashawn staying in Florida to help her family, the rest of the gang head out to help John’s friend Tomás. Along with them come Mark and Cindy, a news crew wishing the capture their efforts. They come across many roadblocks, like broken bridges, aftershocks, and avalanches. Despite their adversity, the team pushes on and reaches their destination. They soon discover that the area is facing a nearby volcano, now made unstable due to the earthquake activity.
Storm Runners: Eruption is very fast paced. Roland Smith manages to pack a large adventure into a relatively short book, which is no easy feat. I would recommend this book for any young person new to reading, who has previously seen books as “boring.” However, due to the lack of developing characters and plot points, I would not recommend this book to a broader audience. The two protagonists are the only particularly memorable characters, with the rest falling into familiar archetypes and tropes. However, it is a fun read, and a great way to burn an hour if you want a nice page-turner. Great for anyone trying to learn a love for reading.

[AJ Patterson]

Now that Chase and his father are reunited after surviving a category 5 hurricane in Florida, they are off to the aftermath of an earthquake and looming volcanic eruption in Mexico.
Roland Smith’s Storm Runners series continues with even more exciting and climactic adventures.
Like the first two books, this third one has lots going on all at once. Using third-person omniscient point of view, Smith hops among different plots, examining various characters’ thoughts and actions keeping the story innovative and energetic. This approach, along with the non-stop action and heart-pounding adventure, will snag the attentions of everyone, even the most reluctant reader. During this process, Smith reveals more background information on Chase and his father, enabling them to grow closer and deepen their relationship

[Houston R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was a good book, this book is about Chase, his Dad, Tomás, Nicole, Cindy and Mark are traveling south to mexico to find a missing circus called the Rossi Brother Circus, when they get there there is a earthquake happening. So as it happens they go up a volcano and look for the village where the circus is stranded, when they find out that one of the trucks crash they realize there is a tiger on the loose.

[Jose · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is about a earthquake and a eruption that happend in mexico and they try to surrvive and live threw all the challanges they have to face.
they have to hear bad news about people that had left the earth and they are low on medical supplies and are down to expiered medican
they are trying to escape the volcano called popocetepetl that has started to erupt.

[Mary T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this one was my favorite of the three. Like the others, some of the parts were hard to imagine in my head, but I liked how all the storylines came together, and it had a satisfying conclusion.

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is so improbable that is becomes almost mystery science 3000 fodder. I still think students will like it. The books in this series are short, the chapters are short and easily read. The story is exciting and fast-paced. It doesn't seem very well researched though.

[Ramona · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did enjoy the setting, the overall theme of the story, but the content seemed to be for older teens, but was written for younger teens. I would have liked to have the characters fleshed out more. The story seemed a little choppy and not complete.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for entire series. Should have been 1 book instead of 3.

[Denise Shaver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this to finish the trilogy. Some action, but a lot of details that either weren’t fleshed out or were pretty lame.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this book was amazing because it had a lot of mystery and action. I really thought that this book was amazing because a lot of stuff was going on like volcano erupting

[Courtnie Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm reading this in my class and it is fun we've read all the series

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS SERIES IS SOOOO GOOD

[Fawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The suspense keeps you on your toes!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good conclusion to the Storm Runners series, but it seems Smith left it open to continue the series in the future if he wanted to do so.

[Checkthebook · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contains kissing. Not as well written as #1 and #2 in the series. Therefore, since the first two volumes can stand alone, and end in a satisfying way, I do not recommend this book.

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book of the series. The first too were decent. This one was just too forced.

[Rose Dillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is the third in the series (which I have read in just a few weeks). I love that these are quick reads. Short chapters that move the plot forward pretty quickly. I wasn't sure if I should give it 4 stars or 5. I loved the book, but I usually only give 5 stars to my absolute amazing favorite books. My 4 star rating has a wider range, but all still really good to great in my opinion. On this wonderful snow day, where I got to finish the last few chapters, I decided to give the book 5 stars because the ending genuinely moved me. I love the adventurous side of the book that keeps things going and keeps the plot moving along. However, I love that it isn't "just adventure". The story had a plot that looked deeper into emotions too (family, belonging, choices) that I feel pushes it into the 5 star category. It should be noted that this is not 5 stars as a stand alone read, but 5 stars for a book at the end of a series. A Bonus as a recommendation because it is a young adult novel, so anyone can read and enjoy!

[Aizuddin Khalid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic closing to the Storm Runner series. As the last book, it was a thriller til the end.

Chase Masters and company are out on their next mission to save the Rossi Bros circus in Mexico but they too found themselves in a lot of predicament as a result of the impact from an active volcano.
They experienced a lot of hardship exploring the roads to their destination village, were separated but of course finally reunited. And throughout the journey, we got to learn some more detail about the featured characters of this story despite being the third book.

The book also contains some gruesome scenes upon discovering the aftermath of road accidents caused by earthquakes.

I really suggest to turn this series into a movie. A cartoon movie perhaps.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roland Smith has become one of my favorite young adult authors. I picked up the first book in this series, Storm Runners, at a school book fair. I couldn't put it down. After the death of his wife and daughter in a car crash and then being struck by lightning, John Masters has sold everything and taken his 12-year-old son Chase on the road as storm chasers. Chase is the protagonist in the series, but it's important to understand the families back story. In the first book Chase is dropped off at at the winter quarters of a family circus while his dad goes after a hurricane bearing down on the west coast of Florida. Of course the hurricane changes course and heads for Chase's location. The boy has to use all the survival skills he's learned from his dad, plus the help of some new friends, just to get home from school as the storm hits. In the second book, the cat 5 storm unleashes its fury, destroying most of the circus buildings and freeing the animals, including a lion. Just when you think the worst is over, they find out that a traveling group from the circus is stranded in Mexico, which has been hit by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Not only that, but they're trapped in a small town beneath a volcano that appears to be on the verge of eruption. So off they go again. I'm including all the additional information because there is a really story arc through the books, and it helps bring the series to a (somewhat) satisfying conclusion. While this one is not quite as good as the first two, I still read it in one sitting. Kudos to Mr. Smith for creating some real page turners. He really knows how to write for his audience. These books would be great for reluctant readers.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this third installment of Storm Runners, Chase Masters, 12, once again finds himself in dangerous situations with his dad and new friends. This book continues immediately where the second book ended. It took me a little while to get up to speed on all the characters, so a little more background at the beginning would have helped jog my memory.

This time around earthquakes and an impending volcanic eruption thwart the plans of Chase, his dad John and John’s business partner Tomas to track down the Rossi Brothers’ Circus in Mexico and check on the animals and Tomas’s family. The group is traveling to Puebla, Mexico which experienced a 7.5 magnitude earthquake while Chase was battling Category 5 Hurricane Emily a few days ago. Now half the town of Puebla is in rubble and the nearby Mount Popocatepetl is smoking ash.

Before the group departed Palm Breeze, Florida, Mama Rossi warns John, “That lightning is still looking for you…It’s going to find you again.” Even though John has been struck by lightning before, he laughs off Mama Rossi’s concerns. Yet for Chase, her ominous prediction and his own TGB (The Gut Barometer) mean that they are in for another dangerous adventure. Little does Chase know that landslides and downed bridges are the least of his concerns.

This fast-paced story will be a page-turner for reluctant readers, but some might notice how effortlessly things wrap up or want more depth to some of the relationships and characters.

[Tessa McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After surviving a hurricane in Florida, Chase, Nicole, Chase’s father, and his construction team head to Mexico to tract down the lost caravan of the Rossi Brothers’ Circus. An earthquake destroyed several roads there, making it impossible to search the area for the caravan or for native survivors. Because of the earthquake, a local volcano is threatening to erupt at any time, possibly before survivors can get safely out. As Chase’s group travels towards the last location of the circus caravan, Chase is again separated from his group. All on his own, Chase must use his survival skills to save himself and others while in the volcano’s path.

With Eruption Smith does it a third time in keeping up a seamless, pulsing pace that will leave readers in breathless suspense for Chase, his father, and his friends. Chase is an amazing character with awesome skills. His skills seem realistic for him to have because of his upbringing. With each disaster Chase faces, he tests his skills and learns from his mistakes, sometimes in painful or life-threatening ways. But Chase is acutely aware of keeping others around him safe in the face of any danger, whether that danger is caused by nature, man, or animal. Chase’s life is dealing with disasters. But as he resolves issues with his father, Chase’s own life stops being a disaster. A fantastic series for ages 8 and up.

[Kay Mcgriff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roland Smith provides an action-packed conclusion to the Storm Runners trilogy with Eruption. Now that Chase Masters and his father are reunited after surviving a category 5 hurricane in Floriday, they are off to the aftermath of an earthquake and looming volcanic eruption in Mexico. Will they be able to find the missing Rossi Brothers circus before it is too late?

It's an oddball crew that heads south of the border. In addition to Chase and his dad, Tomas (his dad's partner) is anxious to find his brother Arturo who travels with the circus and check on his family who lives in the shadow of the volcano. Nicole Rossi begs to go along since it is her mother and sister who are with the circus in Mexcio. Finally, rebellious journalist Cindy and cameraman Mark round out the search party. Unforeseen complications (unstable landslides, steamy ash, escaped tigers, desperate bandits) cause the group to split up. As Chase struggles to survive, he learns secrets about his father's past.

Like the first two books in the series (Storm Runners and Surge), packs excitement and adventure into a quick read. I hope once students read these, they will be eager to dig into some of Smith's longer adventures such as Peak or Elephant Run or Cryptid Hunters.

[Cade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this whole series, but this isn't my favorite of the series. This is the third and final book of the Storm Runners series. Chase, his father, his father's partner Tomas, Nicole, a news reporter named Cindy and a camera man named Mark go to Mexico because of several earthquakes. A volcano starts to erupt and Tomas's family lives in a village on the side of the erupting volcano. They also go to see Nicole's mom and sister and the rest of the Rossi Brothers Circus. They split up into threes. Nicole, Chase's father John, and Mark are one group and Chase, Tomas and Cindy are the other. Chase goes ahead of Tomas and Cindy and gets robbed. Nicole discovers that a tiger is loose and running around in the wilderness. When Tomas and cindy get to the village they give Chase his stuff back. John gets struck by lightning for the second time in his life because of the volcano and later gets to the village after Chase, Tomas and Cindy do. Nicole and Mark go ahead to get help for John. Mrs.Rossi and Leah are badly injured and are cared for many other people at the orphanage which has been transformed into a temporary hospital, all of the other people are in the church. They volcano stops erupting the next morning and Lago de Montana (Montain-ia) remains peaceful.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grades 5-8

Fans of the first two installments of the Storm Runners series have come to expect nonstop action and adventure from Chase and his storm-chasing father John, and they will not be disappointed. In the aftermath of Hurricane Emily, they discover that Nicole's family, on tour around Mexico City, has not been heard from since a devestating earthquake struck. They waste no time flying to Mexico to track down the circus performers and animals that are involved in the tour. Starting out in two pick up trucks, the six become separated into two groups of three, and the amount of ash in the air from the active volcano Popocatepetl soon makes communication even by sat phone impossible. With earthquake aftershocks, mudslides, and roads out of commission, the two teams must draw on all their survival skills to make it to the nearby village and bring the survivors to safety. While credibility is stretched to the breaking point at times, students will enjoy the fast pace and fresh dialogue of this high-adventure series.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Storm Runners Eruption, Book 3, is the final book in the series. All three books are short read and filled with a lot of tension. The Rossi Circus is in Mexico and thought safe, no hurricane to hurt the rest of the animals or the circus people. Instead an earthquake hits the area the circus is in and both Nicole's mother and sister are missing along with the rest of the circus. Chase, Nicole, Chase's father and Tomas take off to see what they can do to find the circus and to help Tomas' hometown. The reading in this third book is as exciting as in the first two, although the situation of an earthquake is completely different. The group divides up again and more things happen to Chase. He loses his quad and picks up a poodle that does tricks. Nicole has a monkey and they discover another cat on the loose. I actually liked the first two books better. I am not sure I could not have read this one, but it sort of wrapped things up too neatly for me.