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Cold Fury #1
Code Sara
Une ado à la vie tranquille se retrouve au coeur d’un thriller haletant. La mafia de Chicago en veut à sa vie, parce qu'elle détient à la fois un secret et un pouvoir dangereux. Une histoire d’honneur, de famille, ou comment devenir en quelques jours celle qui doit sauver son clan.
Sara Jane Rispoli, 16 ans, est d’origine italienne et vit à Chicago. Sa famille y tient une pâtisserie depuis quatre générations. Une jour, Sara rentre chez elle et tout et sens dessus dessous; ses parents et son frère ont disparu. Elle est attaquée par un inconnu masqué, mais elle parvient à s’échapper. Avant de fuir, elle a trouvé une cassette vidéo, un message de son père. De retour à la pâtisserie, elle découvre un passage secret qui donne sur un club semblant dater de la prohibition, une valise avec de l’argent liquide, une carte bancaire à son nom et un carnet. Sara Jane y apprend que son arrière-grand-père était un proche d’Al Capone et qu’il possédait une prédisposition spéciale qui passe de père en fils dans la famille - le ghiaccio furioso, la « fureur froide ». Le réseau mafieux a survécu et ce rôle s'est transmis jusqu'au père de Sara. Sara découvre qu’elle possède aussi le fameux ghiaccio furioso. Mais c’est après le carnet que ses ennemis en ont, et Sara doit constamment fuir et se cacher.
Sara Jane Rispoli, 16 ans, est d’origine italienne et vit à Chicago. Sa famille y tient une pâtisserie depuis quatre générations. Une jour, Sara rentre chez elle et tout et sens dessus dessous; ses parents et son frère ont disparu. Elle est attaquée par un inconnu masqué, mais elle parvient à s’échapper. Avant de fuir, elle a trouvé une cassette vidéo, un message de son père. De retour à la pâtisserie, elle découvre un passage secret qui donne sur un club semblant dater de la prohibition, une valise avec de l’argent liquide, une carte bancaire à son nom et un carnet. Sara Jane y apprend que son arrière-grand-père était un proche d’Al Capone et qu’il possédait une prédisposition spéciale qui passe de père en fils dans la famille - le ghiaccio furioso, la « fureur froide ». Le réseau mafieux a survécu et ce rôle s'est transmis jusqu'au père de Sara. Sara découvre qu’elle possède aussi le fameux ghiaccio furioso. Mais c’est après le carnet que ses ennemis en ont, et Sara doit constamment fuir et se cacher.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2012
47 people are currently reading
3625 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Goeglein
3 books108 followersT.M. Goeglein began his career as a writer of print and television ads for a host of advertising and media companies. As a screenwriter, he created both original scripts and worked as a script doctor for several production companies in Los Angeles. He was an original contributor to the Huffington Post 'Living' section, and continues to write for both the national edition and Huffington Post Chicago. Read T.M. Goeglein's stories on the Huffington Post.
His debut young adult novel, COLD FURY, will be published by Penguin/Putnam in 2012 and is the first in a trilogy; he’s currently working on the second book. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Laura, and two young children.
His debut young adult novel, COLD FURY, will be published by Penguin/Putnam in 2012 and is the first in a trilogy; he’s currently working on the second book. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Laura, and two young children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
July 24, 2012
"Jason Bourne meets The Sopranos"! Yeah!
Starting off slowly, Cold Fury begins by throwing us into Sara's past - her family dynamics in particular - which has always been filled with whispers and secrets. This is all done via flashbacks and, while interesting, can become a bit tedious, or even confusing. Although I can't say that I was ever bored as the mysteriousness kept my attention from faltering. Page 104 is where it really begins, with a bang. House in shambles, her family gone, on the run from what seems to be everyone who looks at her on the street; from this point on it's action packed until the very end. A race for answers - literally! With her pursuers ranging from family members to crooked cops, no one and nowhere is safe.
Like action movies, it's best to read this without thinking very much about the probabilities of what Sara conveniently stumbles upon that, at the very last second, saves her life. There are the typical conveniently located trap doors, tunnels, insider connections, and, my personal favourite: ninja rats. Ninja. Rats. :D Trained and bread to become body guards of sorts, rats, among other things, are the deus ex machina of this plot. On the same wavelength, there are flashes of paranormal powers that certain members of the mob inhibits. I was hoping that this would get a deeper explanation, or at least a bigger meaning. A few vague passages that are barely more than a brush off are not enough to give credibility to these plot elements. Thus, it makes it seem like a lot of twists are simply added for some extra oomph that, ultimately, means nothing. However, it works to give an exciting action mob story. You just have to roll with the punches.
Badass, smart, determined, courageous, are some of the qualities we see in our protagonist, Sara. Her tomboy ways - including learning how to box at 4 years old - will appeal to those who like a little kick in their female leads. Though I will never understand why after days of her being attacked and almost killed several times as soon as she steps outdoors, she decides it would be a good idea to go to school. Education above all else? This detail aside, I found her personality refreshing, and her fierceness, engaging. With a Mafia implicated plot comes a large history where we see how Sara's family comes into play in this complex, very well depicted, mob story which puts her right in the middle of it.
Yes, it has a very Bourne Identity feel to it, though I wouldn't go as far as saying it compares to it (as one of my favourite movie sagas this would be a near impossible feat). Intense and exciting with an intriguing ending that has me looking forward to book 2; if you're looking for an action-packed high speed chase, Cold Fury will definitely give you a run for your money!
--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
Starting off slowly, Cold Fury begins by throwing us into Sara's past - her family dynamics in particular - which has always been filled with whispers and secrets. This is all done via flashbacks and, while interesting, can become a bit tedious, or even confusing. Although I can't say that I was ever bored as the mysteriousness kept my attention from faltering. Page 104 is where it really begins, with a bang. House in shambles, her family gone, on the run from what seems to be everyone who looks at her on the street; from this point on it's action packed until the very end. A race for answers - literally! With her pursuers ranging from family members to crooked cops, no one and nowhere is safe.
Like action movies, it's best to read this without thinking very much about the probabilities of what Sara conveniently stumbles upon that, at the very last second, saves her life. There are the typical conveniently located trap doors, tunnels, insider connections, and, my personal favourite: ninja rats. Ninja. Rats. :D Trained and bread to become body guards of sorts, rats, among other things, are the deus ex machina of this plot. On the same wavelength, there are flashes of paranormal powers that certain members of the mob inhibits. I was hoping that this would get a deeper explanation, or at least a bigger meaning. A few vague passages that are barely more than a brush off are not enough to give credibility to these plot elements. Thus, it makes it seem like a lot of twists are simply added for some extra oomph that, ultimately, means nothing. However, it works to give an exciting action mob story. You just have to roll with the punches.
Badass, smart, determined, courageous, are some of the qualities we see in our protagonist, Sara. Her tomboy ways - including learning how to box at 4 years old - will appeal to those who like a little kick in their female leads. Though I will never understand why after days of her being attacked and almost killed several times as soon as she steps outdoors, she decides it would be a good idea to go to school. Education above all else? This detail aside, I found her personality refreshing, and her fierceness, engaging. With a Mafia implicated plot comes a large history where we see how Sara's family comes into play in this complex, very well depicted, mob story which puts her right in the middle of it.
Yes, it has a very Bourne Identity feel to it, though I wouldn't go as far as saying it compares to it (as one of my favourite movie sagas this would be a near impossible feat). Intense and exciting with an intriguing ending that has me looking forward to book 2; if you're looking for an action-packed high speed chase, Cold Fury will definitely give you a run for your money!
--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
July 24, 2012
I won this book from goodreads first reads giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein is about a wonderful protagonist, Sara Jane, and her realization her family is missing. She has been trained as a boxer, and as she investigates her family's disappearance, she realizes that her parents have been keeping secrets upon secrets. Now she is the only one that can figure out the truth and save them.
I love the fact that I have so many books coming in that I can approach each book with fresh eyes since I can't remember what they are about. Cold Fury was a really pleasant surprise. It's a totally different take on the YA genre. We are introduced into a dark world of lies and suspense. Sara Jane really makes this story work-- she's tough, intelligent, resilient, and fierce. I loved reading about her, learning about her history through her eyes, and wanted to continue with her on her journey. The supporting characters are terrific as well. The one character that I felt really stood out was Doug, one of Sara Jane's best friends. One reviewer was disappointed by the stereotypical characters that were in this book, but I felt that while on the outside they could be described as such, Goeglein develops them in a way that turns the stereotype on its head.
The next book will really define if this trilogy is going to work, but the first book is a breathless, intense ride that develops a world that is intriguing and chilling. I was very impressed with this novel and cannot wait to see the next installment.
Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein is about a wonderful protagonist, Sara Jane, and her realization her family is missing. She has been trained as a boxer, and as she investigates her family's disappearance, she realizes that her parents have been keeping secrets upon secrets. Now she is the only one that can figure out the truth and save them.
I love the fact that I have so many books coming in that I can approach each book with fresh eyes since I can't remember what they are about. Cold Fury was a really pleasant surprise. It's a totally different take on the YA genre. We are introduced into a dark world of lies and suspense. Sara Jane really makes this story work-- she's tough, intelligent, resilient, and fierce. I loved reading about her, learning about her history through her eyes, and wanted to continue with her on her journey. The supporting characters are terrific as well. The one character that I felt really stood out was Doug, one of Sara Jane's best friends. One reviewer was disappointed by the stereotypical characters that were in this book, but I felt that while on the outside they could be described as such, Goeglein develops them in a way that turns the stereotype on its head.
The next book will really define if this trilogy is going to work, but the first book is a breathless, intense ride that develops a world that is intriguing and chilling. I was very impressed with this novel and cannot wait to see the next installment.
May 15, 2016
Turning sweet 16 is anything but sweet for Sara Jane Rispoli. When she comes home to find her family missing, the place trashed and walls smeared with blood, her entire life is rocked straight into Crazy Town. Population: Her, a ski-masked freak, crooked cops and a dizzying rollercoaster that has no intentions of letting her off anytime soon. The further she digs into her family's disappearance, the more she tangles herself in this scary new world and the more dangerous her life becomes. On the run with only a gun, a suitcase full of cash and a notebook that if in the wrong hands, could bring down an entire criminal society, Sara Jane must not only fight for her family, but her own survival if she has any hope of reaching them alive. But perhaps her greatest weapon is one buried deep within her, a cold flame of fury that could give her a power far greater than that of guns and fists.
I have to say (as a compliment!), Goelgein really managed to into his inner teenage girl! Sara Jane is the kind of heroine you instantly find yourself liking. She could have easily become a character who was too badass, with her fighting skills and inner steel, but he balanced her power and strength with vulnerability and your typical teenage worries. She still cares about going to prom dateless and longs for her gorgeous friend to treat her like more than a friend, but they're subtle notes in her life. She has far more pressing issues to worry about like the fact that there's always someone in hot pursuit of her, she has no idea if her family is alive or dead and one of the few people she once thought she could trust has made the ultimate betrayal. Add to that a powerful ability burning at her core and it's a wonder the poor girl is still emotionally stable. She's an incredibly admirable heroine who you can still relate to, even if your right-hook is a pitiful intimidation of hers. Don't feel too bad, she's had years of boxing training under her belt.
I love the whole idea of the Outfit. Who isn't fascinated by the mob? It's a dangerous world for the best of the baddies, but for a 16 year old girl to have to navigate her way through this corrupt underground society wrought with all kinds of criminal dealings, it's going to take some serious strength, brains and determination to see it through. And Sara Jane has that in spades. It's definitely a shock to her though, the family she's shared such a close bond with all these years has been hiding some pretty big secrets. But no matter what, she's still fueled by her love for them and it's endearing to see just how strong those bonds of loyalty are. Through flashbacks and memories we gain a deeper understanding of her home dynamic before the events that changed everything and slowly we're given pieces to the mystery that lay at the heart of this novel. Both Sara Jane and the reader must figure out who to trust, the secrets of the family business and what the heck is waiting around the corner, because you can guarantee something is. And it's not likely to be anything good.
Goeglein balanced the realism of High School and the danger of the Outfit perfectly. He also touched on the gritty reality of bullying in a believable way; not with a sugar-coated resolution but one that rang true for this story. I liked that while Sara Jane was still caught up in intense mob drama, she still tried going to school, still tried for that for that tiny shred of normality in life with her friends and perhaps even a touch of romance. Something I think she needed amongst the brutality of her new life.
Goeglein's writing leaps off the page in a way that is so easy to visualise. Packed tight with a thrilling mystery, explosive action and a heroine who you'll be cheering for until the very last page, Cold Fury is an addictive novel. It feels fresh compared to what's lining the majority of YA shelves at the moment and those are the type of books I love discovering, the ones that offer something new and engaging. I can't wait to see what new dangers and discoveries lay ahead for Sara Jane, because it's clear that her journey is far from over.
I have to say (as a compliment!), Goelgein really managed to into his inner teenage girl! Sara Jane is the kind of heroine you instantly find yourself liking. She could have easily become a character who was too badass, with her fighting skills and inner steel, but he balanced her power and strength with vulnerability and your typical teenage worries. She still cares about going to prom dateless and longs for her gorgeous friend to treat her like more than a friend, but they're subtle notes in her life. She has far more pressing issues to worry about like the fact that there's always someone in hot pursuit of her, she has no idea if her family is alive or dead and one of the few people she once thought she could trust has made the ultimate betrayal. Add to that a powerful ability burning at her core and it's a wonder the poor girl is still emotionally stable. She's an incredibly admirable heroine who you can still relate to, even if your right-hook is a pitiful intimidation of hers. Don't feel too bad, she's had years of boxing training under her belt.
I love the whole idea of the Outfit. Who isn't fascinated by the mob? It's a dangerous world for the best of the baddies, but for a 16 year old girl to have to navigate her way through this corrupt underground society wrought with all kinds of criminal dealings, it's going to take some serious strength, brains and determination to see it through. And Sara Jane has that in spades. It's definitely a shock to her though, the family she's shared such a close bond with all these years has been hiding some pretty big secrets. But no matter what, she's still fueled by her love for them and it's endearing to see just how strong those bonds of loyalty are. Through flashbacks and memories we gain a deeper understanding of her home dynamic before the events that changed everything and slowly we're given pieces to the mystery that lay at the heart of this novel. Both Sara Jane and the reader must figure out who to trust, the secrets of the family business and what the heck is waiting around the corner, because you can guarantee something is. And it's not likely to be anything good.
Goeglein balanced the realism of High School and the danger of the Outfit perfectly. He also touched on the gritty reality of bullying in a believable way; not with a sugar-coated resolution but one that rang true for this story. I liked that while Sara Jane was still caught up in intense mob drama, she still tried going to school, still tried for that for that tiny shred of normality in life with her friends and perhaps even a touch of romance. Something I think she needed amongst the brutality of her new life.
Goeglein's writing leaps off the page in a way that is so easy to visualise. Packed tight with a thrilling mystery, explosive action and a heroine who you'll be cheering for until the very last page, Cold Fury is an addictive novel. It feels fresh compared to what's lining the majority of YA shelves at the moment and those are the type of books I love discovering, the ones that offer something new and engaging. I can't wait to see what new dangers and discoveries lay ahead for Sara Jane, because it's clear that her journey is far from over.
May 12, 2019
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
MY THOUGHTS
I picked this book up sort of impulsively at a cheap used book sale. I didn't really know much about this book except that it's a thriller. I was a bit disappointed, it wasn't as actiony as I expected, but it was very interesting!
Sara Jane thought her family was normal. They're a bunch of bakers, that's all. Then she comes home to find her family missing and her home ransacked. Turns out her family is part of the Chicago Outfit, basically a long-running mob. Now, Sara Jane is the keeper of the notebook, full of the Outfit's secrets, and must prevent it from getting in the wrong hands, as well as trying to survive, and find her family.
My main problem with this book is that it takes forever for things to happen. The first 150 pages is mostly just backstory. It isn't until then that her family disappears, though Sara Jane alludes to it in the very beginning. I was expecting a thriller, but the first half was a bit dull and just was leading up to the family disappearance, which took way too long to get to. The second half was much more action-packed, which made me happier. I finally got to know what was going on, though was some info-dump but that's okay mostly because Sara Jane didn't know what was going on either. I ended up finding the whole Outfit interesting as well as how everything was organized!
As a main character, Sara Jane is a great one. She's tough and smart. Many others in her situation wouldn't know what to do, but she was able to keep it together and figure things out. Still, she felt real. The other characters in the book didn't feel so real, they felt like there were just there, but most of them were necessary so...
As for romance, there is supposed to be some, but it's hardly there and it just felt so unimportant. Sara Jane kind of has a crush on a boy, but nothing really happens with him. I also really didn't care about him because he was really flat. Good news: the romance didn't distract from the plot.
IN CONCLUSION
I sound like I'm just complaining, but I did like this book. It had a compelling plot and a great MC, it just was slow-paced for a thriller and the other characters felt too flat. I don't know if I'll read the next book or not, mostly because I've heard that the second book is a bit of a slump. Maybe I'll read it if I come across it, but otherwise I might pass.
MY THOUGHTS
I picked this book up sort of impulsively at a cheap used book sale. I didn't really know much about this book except that it's a thriller. I was a bit disappointed, it wasn't as actiony as I expected, but it was very interesting!
Sara Jane thought her family was normal. They're a bunch of bakers, that's all. Then she comes home to find her family missing and her home ransacked. Turns out her family is part of the Chicago Outfit, basically a long-running mob. Now, Sara Jane is the keeper of the notebook, full of the Outfit's secrets, and must prevent it from getting in the wrong hands, as well as trying to survive, and find her family.
My main problem with this book is that it takes forever for things to happen. The first 150 pages is mostly just backstory. It isn't until then that her family disappears, though Sara Jane alludes to it in the very beginning. I was expecting a thriller, but the first half was a bit dull and just was leading up to the family disappearance, which took way too long to get to. The second half was much more action-packed, which made me happier. I finally got to know what was going on, though was some info-dump but that's okay mostly because Sara Jane didn't know what was going on either. I ended up finding the whole Outfit interesting as well as how everything was organized!
As a main character, Sara Jane is a great one. She's tough and smart. Many others in her situation wouldn't know what to do, but she was able to keep it together and figure things out. Still, she felt real. The other characters in the book didn't feel so real, they felt like there were just there, but most of them were necessary so...
As for romance, there is supposed to be some, but it's hardly there and it just felt so unimportant. Sara Jane kind of has a crush on a boy, but nothing really happens with him. I also really didn't care about him because he was really flat. Good news: the romance didn't distract from the plot.
IN CONCLUSION
I sound like I'm just complaining, but I did like this book. It had a compelling plot and a great MC, it just was slow-paced for a thriller and the other characters felt too flat. I don't know if I'll read the next book or not, mostly because I've heard that the second book is a bit of a slump. Maybe I'll read it if I come across it, but otherwise I might pass.
April 17, 2012
T.M. Goeglein’s addictive novel, Cold Fury, follows 16 year-old Sara Jane Rispoli after coming to an upside-down ransacked home. Blood is everywhere and her family is nowhere to be found. When she digs into their whereabouts, she find herself being sucked into a world of danger, mobs, and violence. With this cold flame of fury within her, she is determined to bring down the people responsible for her family’s disappearance.
I really enjoy a total badass heroine. Sara Jane is crafted with thoughtful consideration to maintain a sense of realness with might and susceptibility. Although she carries a gun and a suitcase full of cash, she is still your typical teenage girl who worries about finding a date for prom. But she realizes when action is required to find the location of her family, even if they are dead or alive.
Goeglein’s writing style is precise and highly detailed. You can almost smell the gunpowder each time the gun pops and taste blood when fist and flesh meet. The descriptions of Sara Jane’s dangerous journey are so real it will keep readers on their edge. Goeglein puts the reader straight into Sara Jane’s mind as reader and heroine try to solve each presented clue.
The writing approach puts the reader in the middle of all the action with great visualization. Cold Fury brings breathtaking mystery and fiery action to every page. With a well-structured dialogue that compliments a very intriguing plot, finely tuned unforgettable characters, and action that screams, it is the perfect formula for an action-packed roller-coaster of a ride.
I really enjoy a total badass heroine. Sara Jane is crafted with thoughtful consideration to maintain a sense of realness with might and susceptibility. Although she carries a gun and a suitcase full of cash, she is still your typical teenage girl who worries about finding a date for prom. But she realizes when action is required to find the location of her family, even if they are dead or alive.
Goeglein’s writing style is precise and highly detailed. You can almost smell the gunpowder each time the gun pops and taste blood when fist and flesh meet. The descriptions of Sara Jane’s dangerous journey are so real it will keep readers on their edge. Goeglein puts the reader straight into Sara Jane’s mind as reader and heroine try to solve each presented clue.
The writing approach puts the reader in the middle of all the action with great visualization. Cold Fury brings breathtaking mystery and fiery action to every page. With a well-structured dialogue that compliments a very intriguing plot, finely tuned unforgettable characters, and action that screams, it is the perfect formula for an action-packed roller-coaster of a ride.
July 5, 2012
I love these types of stories. Fresh, innovative, and daringly exciting, Goeglein painted a fantastic story that kept me glued to the story till the last page. Even then, I wanted more.
What I enjoyed most about the story are the characters. The reader meets Sara Jane. An outcast in her family once her brother is born, Sara is kept in the dark about everything. Her anger builds and she is secretly molded into a fighting machine. I adore how wonderfully this character is built. The author does a great job in getting the reader invested in Sara Jane. She is quiet yet very smart. She listens to everything and knows things. She keeps quiet till the time is right. And let me tell you, when she comes out of her shell, she is a kick-butt girl!
The plot of the book is awesome. The reader is also kept out of the loop as well. This helps the reader become intrigued in what exactly the "family business " is. All the small talk, the whispers, the secret meetings really capture my interest. With each chapter revealing more and more, I could not but help myself but want to know more.
There really isn't a love interest but a great friendship and a love just beginning. I like that Sara Jane had a few close friends who helped her along the way. She treasures her friendship and is loyal to the end.
Cold Fury is an welcome contempory edge that is unique yet exciting. The influence of mafia effectively provides an amazing detailed story that no one would want to put down. A compelling action packed story that stays consistant, Cold Fury is dynamic!
What I enjoyed most about the story are the characters. The reader meets Sara Jane. An outcast in her family once her brother is born, Sara is kept in the dark about everything. Her anger builds and she is secretly molded into a fighting machine. I adore how wonderfully this character is built. The author does a great job in getting the reader invested in Sara Jane. She is quiet yet very smart. She listens to everything and knows things. She keeps quiet till the time is right. And let me tell you, when she comes out of her shell, she is a kick-butt girl!
The plot of the book is awesome. The reader is also kept out of the loop as well. This helps the reader become intrigued in what exactly the "family business " is. All the small talk, the whispers, the secret meetings really capture my interest. With each chapter revealing more and more, I could not but help myself but want to know more.
There really isn't a love interest but a great friendship and a love just beginning. I like that Sara Jane had a few close friends who helped her along the way. She treasures her friendship and is loyal to the end.
Cold Fury is an welcome contempory edge that is unique yet exciting. The influence of mafia effectively provides an amazing detailed story that no one would want to put down. A compelling action packed story that stays consistant, Cold Fury is dynamic!
July 24, 2012
In an instant everything changed for Sara Jane Rispoli.
One minute she was arguing with her father. The next she was wishing she had waved goodbye.
One minute she had a close-knit, loving and peaceful family. And in the next they became one that kept secrets, told lies and betrayed those they loved. Even her.
And one minute all she had to worry about was going to the dance with a boy she liked. And in the next instant she had to find her family, uncover their secrets, discover the truth behind their lies, find out who betrayed her and fight just to survive.
All this on her sixteenth birthday.
With only a notebook to guide her, and not wanting to risk the life of the only person she knew she could trust, Sara Jane would have to rely her instincts, her ability to fight and the power of the cold fury within her to stay alive and find her family.
If, that is, her family was even still alive to be found.
***
Cold Fury is an incredibly imaginative, exciting, tension-filled and wildly entertaining first book in a new series from author T.M. Goeglein. It takes readers on a journey through and beneath the streets of Chicago with a young, but tough, smart and resilient heroine as she searches for answers about her family’s disappearance and a past she didn’t even know was a part of their history.
Told in the first person from Sara Jane Rispoli’s point of view, the story flows beautifully, allowing readers to get a peek into her thoughts about the discoveries she makes, the abilities she has and the small group of people she has let into her life. And it allows them to discover Chicago through her newly opened eyes.
As Sara Jane tries to stay one step ahead of those who are after her, she discovers that everything she thought she knew was not as it seemed. And the world that opens up to her is filled with dangers she never imagined. Enemies she thought were friends. And mysteries beyond her wildest imagination.
Cold Fury is gritty, it’s dark, it’s utterly riveting. Its pages are filled with action, danger and suspense, with the backdrop of a city that is painted beautifully by the author. A city that has a violent but fascinating history. And a city whose past is very much connected to Sara Jane’s.
Author T.M. Goeglein has taken a chance with his debut YA novel. Cold Fury does not check off all the boxes of stories typically in this genre. There is no hero that swoops in to save the day who is equally matched to the heroine. Though the fiercely independent Sara Jane does have help, she proves just how able she is to do without.
The paranormal element does not becomes the main focus of the story. While cold fury does play a role, it doesn’t overshadow Sara Jane’s human abilities as a fighter, her smarts or her determination.
And the premise is one not common in young adult fiction. A story that is based on a realistic criminal enterprise in a setting where syndicated crime goes way back is definitely not mainstream. It is unique. And exciting. And a fresh addition to the genre.
For those readers who are looking for something just a little bit different and a whole lot thrilling, Cold Fury is an absolute must read. Mystery. Tension. Action. Nail-biting suspense. A street-smart protagonist. A notebook filled with secrets to be discovered. A power whose depth has only been hinted at. And a world that promises so much more.
Not only is Cold Fury an addictive story, but it’s one that will be unputdownable.
Reviewer gives this book…
On a personal note:
What an amazing book this was. I knew that I would love it. From the moment I read the description for Cold Fury I knew that this would be a book that stood out from the crowd. And I knew that it had all the elements of a book I could easily fall in love with. Just from the description. A fierce heroine, a fast pace, action, darkness, danger, romance, secrets and a mystery that needed to be solved. Yes, that description made it sound as if it would be awesome.
And it absolutely did not disappoint. In fact, Cold Fury surprised me. I expected all of those things to fill the pages, to keep me engrossed in the story. And they were all there. But what I did not expect was for the writing to transport me to a world that wasn’t always dark and gritty, to a city with a rich, exciting and absolutely fascinating history. One that while dark and violent was also quite beautiful.
The author’s writing pulled me in, instantly, to his story and world. It embraced me and made me feel as if I was right there, discovering those hidden passageways, uncovering the family secrets, learning about the world beneath the world that was this author’s Chicago. Right there, alongside Sara Jane Rispoli, a main character who was incredibly tough, brave and resourceful, but who was easy to sympathize with for all that she had to go through.
I thought the author did an incredible job of taking an idea that is traditionally aimed at an adult audience or written about in a historical sense – the Mob and, in specific, Chicago’s history with the Mob – and making it appropriate for a younger one. And I love that he did this through a female main character.
I also loved getting to see a side of Chicago that I have never seen before. One that blends fantasy and reality but in a way that makes it all feel very real.
And while the story touches upon the violence of the Mob throughout Chicago’s history and Sara’s family’s connection to it, it doesn’t go over the top. Nor does it soft-sell it.
But what I most loved about the book was being able to watch the story unfold through Sara’s eyes as she discovered secrets about her family’s sordid and violent past, uncovered betrayals from those she once trusted, and began to understand a little bit more about the power she possessed, the cold fury.
While the surface has only been scratched in this first book in the series with the elements of the supernatural, it definitely hints that there is more to come. More to be learned. More to be unleashed.
And I can’t wait. The ending left off, while not completely on the side of a cliff, as if it were holding its breath. Waiting for what comes next. Just as I am.
One minute she was arguing with her father. The next she was wishing she had waved goodbye.
One minute she had a close-knit, loving and peaceful family. And in the next they became one that kept secrets, told lies and betrayed those they loved. Even her.
And one minute all she had to worry about was going to the dance with a boy she liked. And in the next instant she had to find her family, uncover their secrets, discover the truth behind their lies, find out who betrayed her and fight just to survive.
All this on her sixteenth birthday.
With only a notebook to guide her, and not wanting to risk the life of the only person she knew she could trust, Sara Jane would have to rely her instincts, her ability to fight and the power of the cold fury within her to stay alive and find her family.
If, that is, her family was even still alive to be found.
***
Cold Fury is an incredibly imaginative, exciting, tension-filled and wildly entertaining first book in a new series from author T.M. Goeglein. It takes readers on a journey through and beneath the streets of Chicago with a young, but tough, smart and resilient heroine as she searches for answers about her family’s disappearance and a past she didn’t even know was a part of their history.
Told in the first person from Sara Jane Rispoli’s point of view, the story flows beautifully, allowing readers to get a peek into her thoughts about the discoveries she makes, the abilities she has and the small group of people she has let into her life. And it allows them to discover Chicago through her newly opened eyes.
As Sara Jane tries to stay one step ahead of those who are after her, she discovers that everything she thought she knew was not as it seemed. And the world that opens up to her is filled with dangers she never imagined. Enemies she thought were friends. And mysteries beyond her wildest imagination.
Cold Fury is gritty, it’s dark, it’s utterly riveting. Its pages are filled with action, danger and suspense, with the backdrop of a city that is painted beautifully by the author. A city that has a violent but fascinating history. And a city whose past is very much connected to Sara Jane’s.
Author T.M. Goeglein has taken a chance with his debut YA novel. Cold Fury does not check off all the boxes of stories typically in this genre. There is no hero that swoops in to save the day who is equally matched to the heroine. Though the fiercely independent Sara Jane does have help, she proves just how able she is to do without.
The paranormal element does not becomes the main focus of the story. While cold fury does play a role, it doesn’t overshadow Sara Jane’s human abilities as a fighter, her smarts or her determination.
And the premise is one not common in young adult fiction. A story that is based on a realistic criminal enterprise in a setting where syndicated crime goes way back is definitely not mainstream. It is unique. And exciting. And a fresh addition to the genre.
For those readers who are looking for something just a little bit different and a whole lot thrilling, Cold Fury is an absolute must read. Mystery. Tension. Action. Nail-biting suspense. A street-smart protagonist. A notebook filled with secrets to be discovered. A power whose depth has only been hinted at. And a world that promises so much more.
Not only is Cold Fury an addictive story, but it’s one that will be unputdownable.
Reviewer gives this book…
On a personal note:
What an amazing book this was. I knew that I would love it. From the moment I read the description for Cold Fury I knew that this would be a book that stood out from the crowd. And I knew that it had all the elements of a book I could easily fall in love with. Just from the description. A fierce heroine, a fast pace, action, darkness, danger, romance, secrets and a mystery that needed to be solved. Yes, that description made it sound as if it would be awesome.
And it absolutely did not disappoint. In fact, Cold Fury surprised me. I expected all of those things to fill the pages, to keep me engrossed in the story. And they were all there. But what I did not expect was for the writing to transport me to a world that wasn’t always dark and gritty, to a city with a rich, exciting and absolutely fascinating history. One that while dark and violent was also quite beautiful.
The author’s writing pulled me in, instantly, to his story and world. It embraced me and made me feel as if I was right there, discovering those hidden passageways, uncovering the family secrets, learning about the world beneath the world that was this author’s Chicago. Right there, alongside Sara Jane Rispoli, a main character who was incredibly tough, brave and resourceful, but who was easy to sympathize with for all that she had to go through.
I thought the author did an incredible job of taking an idea that is traditionally aimed at an adult audience or written about in a historical sense – the Mob and, in specific, Chicago’s history with the Mob – and making it appropriate for a younger one. And I love that he did this through a female main character.
I also loved getting to see a side of Chicago that I have never seen before. One that blends fantasy and reality but in a way that makes it all feel very real.
And while the story touches upon the violence of the Mob throughout Chicago’s history and Sara’s family’s connection to it, it doesn’t go over the top. Nor does it soft-sell it.
But what I most loved about the book was being able to watch the story unfold through Sara’s eyes as she discovered secrets about her family’s sordid and violent past, uncovered betrayals from those she once trusted, and began to understand a little bit more about the power she possessed, the cold fury.
While the surface has only been scratched in this first book in the series with the elements of the supernatural, it definitely hints that there is more to come. More to be learned. More to be unleashed.
And I can’t wait. The ending left off, while not completely on the side of a cliff, as if it were holding its breath. Waiting for what comes next. Just as I am.
May 3, 2012
As a fan of YA fiction on one end of the spectrum and dramas about organized crime on the other, I approached Cold Fury with some degree of skepticism. Would I find a character I could like and root for in the way I did for Katniss? Would I be able to suspend reality enough to accept that a 16-year old girl could penetrate and outsmart the mob? The answer to both questions is yes. Goeglein effectively and successfully combines all the right elements to create a fast-paced thriller balanced by realistic insight into the teenage pains of self discovery. In his protagonist, Sara Jane Rispoli, Goeglein creates a smart, empathetic and resourceful character who is forced to defer the typical teenager's milestones and expected right to wallow in self-centeredness because she must fight for her and her family's survival. Of course, Sara Jane is no ordinary teen. She's a boxer, she's savvy, she's introverted yet projects the self-possession and "I don't care" attitude that gets her noticed and she admits to the admirable flaw of having her "emotional core" being rooted in family. When her family disappears, her resourcefulness pays off as she fits together pieces of her family puzzle to understand that her family is, or was, at the heart of the mob and that her and her family's future lies in her control of a family notebook and an innate power she has to affect outcomes -- the power of the cold fury. Goeglein's Sara Jane is not unlike the superhero you can't help loving for their self-sacrifice and unwavering commitment to translating their power into something good, yet he makes her more real and relateable. With a cast of characters that includes Max, a potential love interest, Doug, a conflicted friend who is seeking to escape certain coming-of-age discoveries in his own life to join the chaos of Sara Jane's, an endearing brother, an insecure uncle and a mysterious masked man, and writing that brings Chicago and the heartlessness of organized crime to life, Cold Fury allows you to invest in the plot, at the expense of your sleep.
June 12, 2012
Sara Jane Rispoli has just turned 16 years old. While she has the normal worries that teenage girls have--getting people to join her club at school, going to the dance with a cute guy--she also discovers that she has much bigger issues to worry about. Sara Jane's parents and little brother have disappeared, ans she discovers that their disappearance is connected to the existence of a certain notebook. This notebook contains all of the family's secrets about the biggest thing they were hiding--the Rispoli family has been a vital part of the Chicago mafia, called the Outfit.
Now Sara Jane is on the run with the notebook, a gun, and some cash in a briefcase. As she delves deeper into the notebook, she discovers many things that can help her while she's trying to stay safe and find her parents. She just needs to learn who she can trust...and that is basically only herself.
I really loved this book! I've always been a big fan of mafia and spy stories (Burn Notice is one of my fave shows), and Cold Fury has a great mix of action with just the slightest touch of the supernatural.
Sara Jane is such a great heroine, and narrator. She never tries to be the hero, she just does what needs to be done. What I loved about her what that she has such a strong, independent personality, but we still see touches of her vulnerability at times, and that makes the reader remember that no matter how badass she seems, she is still a teenage girl.
I especially enjoyed the rich backstory that the author gives about the Outfit and their history in Chicago. The fact that this story is rooted in factual events makes it that much cooler to me. I really want to go to Chicago and look for Capone doors now!
The second half of the book went by in a flash. There were twists that I definitely didn't expect. I also feel that Sara Jane grew so much throughout the course of the book. I loved everything about this book, and I will definitely be joining Sara Jane on the next part of her journey!
Now Sara Jane is on the run with the notebook, a gun, and some cash in a briefcase. As she delves deeper into the notebook, she discovers many things that can help her while she's trying to stay safe and find her parents. She just needs to learn who she can trust...and that is basically only herself.
I really loved this book! I've always been a big fan of mafia and spy stories (Burn Notice is one of my fave shows), and Cold Fury has a great mix of action with just the slightest touch of the supernatural.
Sara Jane is such a great heroine, and narrator. She never tries to be the hero, she just does what needs to be done. What I loved about her what that she has such a strong, independent personality, but we still see touches of her vulnerability at times, and that makes the reader remember that no matter how badass she seems, she is still a teenage girl.
I especially enjoyed the rich backstory that the author gives about the Outfit and their history in Chicago. The fact that this story is rooted in factual events makes it that much cooler to me. I really want to go to Chicago and look for Capone doors now!
The second half of the book went by in a flash. There were twists that I definitely didn't expect. I also feel that Sara Jane grew so much throughout the course of the book. I loved everything about this book, and I will definitely be joining Sara Jane on the next part of her journey!
May 15, 2012
Cold Fury is an awesome debut novel by TM Goeglein. The story is fast-paced and insightful, blending all the fun of being inside the mind of an unconventionally tough sixteen-year-old girl with the serious danger and plot twists of a Mob tale. When the mysterious disappearance of protagonist Sara Jane Rispoli's family forces her to discover the truth about their secret past, she finds herself at the center of a dangerous web and catapulted down a path of self-preservation and self-discovery. Goeglein keeps you on your toes with plot twists and surprises.
As for the writing, it's captivating. Goeglein seamlessly moves from the halls of high school to the streets of Chicago with a keenly observant eye that paints detailed pictures through his descriptions. Whether he's describing a rundown building on a Chicago corner or the historical evolution of the modern-day Mob, his style sucks you in as though you're standing in front of that building today or next to Al Capone in the roaring '20s. All the while, he keeps the story moving at a breakneck pace that keeps you turning the pages for more.
It's a great read that I would recommend to anyone who likes smart writing, fast-paced plot twists, and a killer storyline.
Can't wait for the sequel!
As for the writing, it's captivating. Goeglein seamlessly moves from the halls of high school to the streets of Chicago with a keenly observant eye that paints detailed pictures through his descriptions. Whether he's describing a rundown building on a Chicago corner or the historical evolution of the modern-day Mob, his style sucks you in as though you're standing in front of that building today or next to Al Capone in the roaring '20s. All the while, he keeps the story moving at a breakneck pace that keeps you turning the pages for more.
It's a great read that I would recommend to anyone who likes smart writing, fast-paced plot twists, and a killer storyline.
Can't wait for the sequel!
dnf
August 15, 2013If a book spends 50 pages on backstory and infodumps and there's no sign that the plot is going to start any time soon, then I don't feel bad about DNF-ing it.
Book, you failed to tell me a story. You couldn't even stick to one flashback at a time. There were flashbacks in flashbacks and backstories within backstories. It was like the fucking Inception of info dumping.
Book, you failed to tell me a story. You couldn't even stick to one flashback at a time. There were flashbacks in flashbacks and backstories within backstories. It was like the fucking Inception of info dumping.
May 26, 2012
4.5/5 stars!
Oh man. This is definitely on my best of 2012 so far list! From the first page on, once Goeglein gets the action started, it doesn't stop until the last page. And then it leaves you begging for more. Please say there'll be another book in this universe, because I am LOVING it. If you like strong YA heroines with minimal romance and maximum ass-kicking, "Cold Fury" is the book for you.
What's most surprising about this book, I think, is that Goeglein manages to write a first person POV with the female voice - and he does it very, very well. There wasn't any one point within the entire book where it felt like a masculine POV was intruding - Sara Jane sounded completely and totally like a real girl. Cross-gender narration is very difficult to do right, and it's doubly hard to do right when you're writing in first person. Third person close is easier to do because it's more like the POV is the camera on the character's shoulder and it allows the author some distance and a buffer zone for any shortcomings within it. So major props to Goeglein for getting it right.
The characters and the world are very tightly wrought and constructed - leaving very little to be poked or prodded at by me. I really found nothing to pick at, and there was little left to be desired, except for the ending, which I felt sped up the pace a little too quickly. I wanted to linger on Sara Jane's time with her brother a little more (hence not quite five stars), and I'm wondering why Goeglein did this, if it was intentional.
I think the blurb of "The Sopranos meets Jason Bourne" is a pretty apt description for the book - it's that kind of mashup. There's the same intensity squished into the story and its plot, and into Sara Jane herself. I like the supernatural aspect of having the "cold fury" within only parts of her family, and I LOVE that she's the first female (that we know of) within her family to have the ability. I really want to know more about it, though, so I'm hoping more will be exposed in a second book, if there is one coming. But this one can still read as a standalone, for those sick of series, so either way, it's a really solid book. It can stand by itself, or it can serve as a wonderful first book in a series. I'm sincerely hoping for the latter.
Bottom line? We need more female-oriented books like this in YA. Less love triangles, more urgency, and more strong heroines. Goeglein does us girls a solid in this one, and I'm thankful for it.
"Cold Fury" will be out July 24th, 2012 from Putnam Juvenile in North America. This book definitely deserves the read, so be sure to check it out when it drops in July. Seriously. Definitely has a more than worthy place on the best of 2012 so far list.
(posted to librarything, goodreads, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
Oh man. This is definitely on my best of 2012 so far list! From the first page on, once Goeglein gets the action started, it doesn't stop until the last page. And then it leaves you begging for more. Please say there'll be another book in this universe, because I am LOVING it. If you like strong YA heroines with minimal romance and maximum ass-kicking, "Cold Fury" is the book for you.
What's most surprising about this book, I think, is that Goeglein manages to write a first person POV with the female voice - and he does it very, very well. There wasn't any one point within the entire book where it felt like a masculine POV was intruding - Sara Jane sounded completely and totally like a real girl. Cross-gender narration is very difficult to do right, and it's doubly hard to do right when you're writing in first person. Third person close is easier to do because it's more like the POV is the camera on the character's shoulder and it allows the author some distance and a buffer zone for any shortcomings within it. So major props to Goeglein for getting it right.
The characters and the world are very tightly wrought and constructed - leaving very little to be poked or prodded at by me. I really found nothing to pick at, and there was little left to be desired, except for the ending, which I felt sped up the pace a little too quickly. I wanted to linger on Sara Jane's time with her brother a little more (hence not quite five stars), and I'm wondering why Goeglein did this, if it was intentional.
I think the blurb of "The Sopranos meets Jason Bourne" is a pretty apt description for the book - it's that kind of mashup. There's the same intensity squished into the story and its plot, and into Sara Jane herself. I like the supernatural aspect of having the "cold fury" within only parts of her family, and I LOVE that she's the first female (that we know of) within her family to have the ability. I really want to know more about it, though, so I'm hoping more will be exposed in a second book, if there is one coming. But this one can still read as a standalone, for those sick of series, so either way, it's a really solid book. It can stand by itself, or it can serve as a wonderful first book in a series. I'm sincerely hoping for the latter.
Bottom line? We need more female-oriented books like this in YA. Less love triangles, more urgency, and more strong heroines. Goeglein does us girls a solid in this one, and I'm thankful for it.
"Cold Fury" will be out July 24th, 2012 from Putnam Juvenile in North America. This book definitely deserves the read, so be sure to check it out when it drops in July. Seriously. Definitely has a more than worthy place on the best of 2012 so far list.
(posted to librarything, goodreads, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
May 19, 2012
Wow! Are you looking for something packed with action on every page? Something fresh, fast and gripping? That's what Cold Fury is: a furious and unique adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. With clear, straightforward writing that feels like it works better in an action movie, this book will keep you up reading late into the night.
Young Sara Jane Rispoli hasn't had a completely normal life -or a completely normal family. She's grown up on her own terms, the unexpected daughter of a mafia family. Everything changes when her parents and brother are kidnapped, her uncle betrays her and she's on the run from mafia assassins. As Sara digs deeper into her family's past, she learns that there is much more at stake than she could have possible imagined.
I was honestly not too excited about this book when I first picked it up. It just didn't seem like something that I would enjoy (despite the Italian mafia theme). And that's when I started reading, from the first page, my opinion was completely changed. Cold Fury just grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. This is so much more than Jason Bourne or the Sopranos -this is an excellent new kick-butt heroine that will re-define the YA genre.
The action is well-balanced with character development and romance, which keep it from becoming a cold series of action sequences without any heart. Cold Fury will appeal to fans of action-packed novels (they don't have to be teens -even older readers would enjoy it too) with strong heroines. Great, great stuff.
Young Sara Jane Rispoli hasn't had a completely normal life -or a completely normal family. She's grown up on her own terms, the unexpected daughter of a mafia family. Everything changes when her parents and brother are kidnapped, her uncle betrays her and she's on the run from mafia assassins. As Sara digs deeper into her family's past, she learns that there is much more at stake than she could have possible imagined.
I was honestly not too excited about this book when I first picked it up. It just didn't seem like something that I would enjoy (despite the Italian mafia theme). And that's when I started reading, from the first page, my opinion was completely changed. Cold Fury just grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. This is so much more than Jason Bourne or the Sopranos -this is an excellent new kick-butt heroine that will re-define the YA genre.
The action is well-balanced with character development and romance, which keep it from becoming a cold series of action sequences without any heart. Cold Fury will appeal to fans of action-packed novels (they don't have to be teens -even older readers would enjoy it too) with strong heroines. Great, great stuff.
July 22, 2012
Sara Jane had a great childhood. She had a loving family who did just about everything together. They owned their own bakery with their Grandparent and Uncle, from her father’s side. But now at 16 things are not what they seem to be. And now she is struggling to find out who took her family and what all the secrets have been about. What really was going on at the bakery and why are all these people after her?
I was very excited to read this book after seeing the cover and the blurb on the back. It sounded very exciting. And exciting it was. T.M. Goeglen had me on the edge of my seat the whole book. I was anticipating the next chapter to find what was next! It was a thrilling ride and a well-written book!
I really enjoyed Sara Jane and her bad ass. She was a strong 16 year old that was not going to just let her family go. She fights teeth and nail to get answers and that is what she begins to get. Her journey in finding out the secrets she has always known her father and mother were keeping from her but never asked about. She always trusted her family, but now that someone has taken her parents and brother she is not going to let anything or anyone get in her way not even family. She goes on an ass-kicking journey to get answers and it’s an exciting ride. Don’t miss out on this one! I can’t wait for more!
I was very excited to read this book after seeing the cover and the blurb on the back. It sounded very exciting. And exciting it was. T.M. Goeglen had me on the edge of my seat the whole book. I was anticipating the next chapter to find what was next! It was a thrilling ride and a well-written book!
I really enjoyed Sara Jane and her bad ass. She was a strong 16 year old that was not going to just let her family go. She fights teeth and nail to get answers and that is what she begins to get. Her journey in finding out the secrets she has always known her father and mother were keeping from her but never asked about. She always trusted her family, but now that someone has taken her parents and brother she is not going to let anything or anyone get in her way not even family. She goes on an ass-kicking journey to get answers and it’s an exciting ride. Don’t miss out on this one! I can’t wait for more!
March 27, 2012
This book was great! The character's and the action were just gripping. If you like family secrets and Mafioso, this is the book for you. The story takes you through the mean streets of Chicago, the sewers of the underworld and an abandoned family speak easy. I loved this book and I can't wait till the next two come out. So suspenseful. The imagery the author expresses is wonderful. There's an awesome Ferrari 458 Italia! I'm a motor head if you haven't noticed ye (If you don't know what the 458 Spyder is I'm ashamed of you. It is basically a super car that you will never own unless you A: have beastly basketball skills like Mr. Jordan, oh yea, met him, B: Be a CEO of a major corporation, like Clorox Bleach or Downy, useful companies, you pick which one and C: Win the Lottery, don't get your hopes up because you'll never, ever win. and D. Be a ferocious Mafia Hit man who owns a bakery that's actually a front. Period End Of Discussion!)
June 15, 2013
Didn't finish this book, but I read all that I wanted to.
I got up to the 7th chapter before I felt like the book wasn't going as fast paced as I wanted too. It was too much with her history, and what happened before her family's disappearance.
However, she did mention that '[she] would pierce all the information together starting from the start and leading into the problem that tore her family apart'.
I was expected a more action packed story that took the readers along the journey and how she kicked people's butts and discovered that it wasn't this theory. Not someone who knew what happened and only recounted the story. But really, I could be wrong because I haven't finished this story.
All in all, I felt that this story left a lot more to be desired.
I got up to the 7th chapter before I felt like the book wasn't going as fast paced as I wanted too. It was too much with her history, and what happened before her family's disappearance.
However, she did mention that '[she] would pierce all the information together starting from the start and leading into the problem that tore her family apart'.
I was expected a more action packed story that took the readers along the journey and how she kicked people's butts and discovered that it wasn't this theory. Not someone who knew what happened and only recounted the story. But really, I could be wrong because I haven't finished this story.
All in all, I felt that this story left a lot more to be desired.
October 1, 2012
This is one of those books that can only be described as average. I didn't hate it, but I didn't necessarily like it either. I liked parts of it, I disliked others. I don't know how else to describe it. But I can say that for every book I liked more than this one, there's a book that I liked less, too. This book overall disappointed me and did not reach my expectations, but still delivered a good tale that kept me reading.
I went into this novel thinking that it had a lot of potential. After all, this is pretty much the daughter of a crime boss suddenly realizing she's the daughter of a crime boss when she comes home from the school dance on her sixteenth birthday to learn that her house was ransacked and both of her parents and younger brother were kidnapped. This book could have been so awesome, but it just wasn't. However, Sara Jane Rispoli does take us on some amazing adventures while she kicks butt and attempts to save the world one old mobster at a time.
What really should have made this book was the action. Some of it was really awesome. After all, Sara Jane had taken boxing lessons since she was seven years old due to the suggestion from her Uncle Buddy. I loved this part of the book because it did create such a strong main character and since it was incredibly obvious that this girl knew how to deliver a serious butt-whooping, I wasn't surprised that there was a decent chunk of fight scenes in this book. What I didn't like was that though some seemed really interesting, like knocking out a double agent cop with a fire extinguisher in the back of an ambulance, others can only be described as the written equivalent of watching a high school drama where supposed fight scenes include slow kicks aimed in the general vicinity of the mark but never truly make contact. It was all stage-play and hard to believe. A 16 year old girl fighting a guy twice her size with an insane, deranged three year-old girl's voice and somehow always gaining the upper hand? Really? I was rooting for her, too, but lets bring some form of realism into this, please.
Another thing that I had a problem with was the characters. Obviously, I really enjoyed Sara Jane as the main character. She was full of strength and determination to save her family. Her little brother, Lou, was a freaky genius who I admired. Her parents fell flat to me, as did most of her fellow classmates. The only other people I liked were Willy and Knuckles for their undying loyalty, though Knuckles was a badass gangster. Most of the characters were insane, holding grudges to the point that they'd risk lives or threaten the lives of others. Some of the taunts of the bullies in this book were pre-school level when they were in high school! Again, realistic instances should have replaced this childishness and the overall theme of adults being deranged due to an intense need for power.
Last but not least is the plot progression. I was ready to DNF this one for the first third of the book, but I kept pushing through it because I chose to read it and didn't want to put this book to waste. I'm glad I read it because once the story picked up and we got to the actual kidnapping instead of reading more about Sara Jane's past and her back-story, the book was easily a page-turner. It took a while to get into, though.
The ending was also disappointing. Clearly, this is going to be a series, so Sara Jane is going to be back kicking butt once more. But the book cut her tale off out of nowhere. The entire story she was learning about her family's past so that she could hunt them down and save them by running for her life. This book decides to cut the story off before she can find her family. As a reader, this frustrated me immensely because I felt as if this tale was incomplete and I was sold short in an attempt to make me want to buy the second book in the series whenever it comes out.
All in all, this was an average read. It had an amazing plot idea that could have been highly improved upon if this book underwent the editing process more. What this book lacked was realistic and believable scenes throughout the novel. It kept waffling between things I could believe, interesting tidbits like the use of Capone doors and the Rispoli rat army, to things that were beyond stupid and unbelievable. Even the title of the book taken from a special "power" that the Rispoli's had seemed slightly outlandish.
If this book underwent a more thorough editing process that added more detail and a slight re-write, I'd be a happy camper. Despite the long list of qualms that came with this one, I did find aspects of it enjoyable because it's been a while since I've read a thriller anything like this one. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a book full of action with a strong female heroine if their local library happens to carry it.
This book is receiving three stars because it's decent, though I am in no rush for the sequel.
I went into this novel thinking that it had a lot of potential. After all, this is pretty much the daughter of a crime boss suddenly realizing she's the daughter of a crime boss when she comes home from the school dance on her sixteenth birthday to learn that her house was ransacked and both of her parents and younger brother were kidnapped. This book could have been so awesome, but it just wasn't. However, Sara Jane Rispoli does take us on some amazing adventures while she kicks butt and attempts to save the world one old mobster at a time.
What really should have made this book was the action. Some of it was really awesome. After all, Sara Jane had taken boxing lessons since she was seven years old due to the suggestion from her Uncle Buddy. I loved this part of the book because it did create such a strong main character and since it was incredibly obvious that this girl knew how to deliver a serious butt-whooping, I wasn't surprised that there was a decent chunk of fight scenes in this book. What I didn't like was that though some seemed really interesting, like knocking out a double agent cop with a fire extinguisher in the back of an ambulance, others can only be described as the written equivalent of watching a high school drama where supposed fight scenes include slow kicks aimed in the general vicinity of the mark but never truly make contact. It was all stage-play and hard to believe. A 16 year old girl fighting a guy twice her size with an insane, deranged three year-old girl's voice and somehow always gaining the upper hand? Really? I was rooting for her, too, but lets bring some form of realism into this, please.
Another thing that I had a problem with was the characters. Obviously, I really enjoyed Sara Jane as the main character. She was full of strength and determination to save her family. Her little brother, Lou, was a freaky genius who I admired. Her parents fell flat to me, as did most of her fellow classmates. The only other people I liked were Willy and Knuckles for their undying loyalty, though Knuckles was a badass gangster. Most of the characters were insane, holding grudges to the point that they'd risk lives or threaten the lives of others. Some of the taunts of the bullies in this book were pre-school level when they were in high school! Again, realistic instances should have replaced this childishness and the overall theme of adults being deranged due to an intense need for power.
Last but not least is the plot progression. I was ready to DNF this one for the first third of the book, but I kept pushing through it because I chose to read it and didn't want to put this book to waste. I'm glad I read it because once the story picked up and we got to the actual kidnapping instead of reading more about Sara Jane's past and her back-story, the book was easily a page-turner. It took a while to get into, though.
The ending was also disappointing. Clearly, this is going to be a series, so Sara Jane is going to be back kicking butt once more. But the book cut her tale off out of nowhere. The entire story she was learning about her family's past so that she could hunt them down and save them by running for her life. This book decides to cut the story off before she can find her family. As a reader, this frustrated me immensely because I felt as if this tale was incomplete and I was sold short in an attempt to make me want to buy the second book in the series whenever it comes out.
All in all, this was an average read. It had an amazing plot idea that could have been highly improved upon if this book underwent the editing process more. What this book lacked was realistic and believable scenes throughout the novel. It kept waffling between things I could believe, interesting tidbits like the use of Capone doors and the Rispoli rat army, to things that were beyond stupid and unbelievable. Even the title of the book taken from a special "power" that the Rispoli's had seemed slightly outlandish.
If this book underwent a more thorough editing process that added more detail and a slight re-write, I'd be a happy camper. Despite the long list of qualms that came with this one, I did find aspects of it enjoyable because it's been a while since I've read a thriller anything like this one. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a book full of action with a strong female heroine if their local library happens to carry it.
This book is receiving three stars because it's decent, though I am in no rush for the sequel.
July 10, 2012
Anyone who wants to read from the perspective of a smart, tough, mature heroine needs to pick up Cold Fury as soon as possible. While Sara Jane's name may cause you to think that she came straight from Little House on the Prairie, her strength and resourcefulness will quickly end that notion. While there were some dialogue and pacing issues within this novel, Cold Fury is full of action and suspense. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. You don't want to miss this one!
I'm going to start with the very few things that I don't like and then tell you about the many things that I do like about this book. The dialogue was a bit ridiculous and cheesy at times. It seems like Goeglein has watched gangster movies too many times and now thinks that anyone who lives in the general proximity of the mob will talk like a 1920s thug. I lived in Chicago for many years, and hope to return there once I get my BA, and I have never heard anyone my age or younger refer to someone else as a "knucklehead." I mean some of the dialect in the midwest is a bit archaic, but not that archaic. Also, the use of "pinhead" threw me a bit. That is yet another phrase I never heard uttered in the Chicagoland area. I'm 99.9% sure that no teenagers really say those words. Having the teenagers say those words kind of makes everyone in Chicago seem like they should be wearing fedoras and running from the "coppers" or something. It's pretty comical, so I laughed at some inopportune times because of that. Anyway, other than the dialogue, the pacing was a bit slow. It seemed to take a little longer than it should to get from one important point to the next. Those two issues aside, I loved this book.
Sara Jane is the strongest heroine I've ever read in an adult novel, AND she's a Cubs fan. She doesn't waste time taking care of what needs to be done, and she certainly doesn't spend her time pining after some boy. Sure, there are romantic interests in this book, but she barely has time to worry with them. Instead, she takes care of things that need to be done in order to find her family. She's loyal to her friends and puts her family first. The girl obviously has her priorities straight. And where a lot of YA heroines would have broken down, cried, and waited on some knight in shining armor type to save them, Sara Jane squares her shoulders and carries on. And guess what, when she meets a hot guy, she doesn't go crying to him about her problems. She keeps them to herself and does what she has to do. She even *gasp* turns down dates! It's a miracle in YA literature that a female would EVER turn down a date. Because of her independence (and the fact that she's a Cubs fan), I think she is the perfect YA heroine. There isn't a lot of secondary character involvement quite yet, but my favorite is Tyler. I hope to see more of him in the sequel.
I did love Sara Jane, but I think my favorite thing about this novel is that it feels like Chicago. Sara Jane's attitude and the way she interacts with the people around her, combined with the landscape painting that Goeglein does, made Cold Fury feel like home to me... which inevitably made me incredibly homesick. However, that Chicagoland feeling is part of what made me love this novel so much. It really does encompass all that is beautiful and terrible about the city. I hope the sequel has more of the same feel to it.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspenseful novels with a touch of the supernatural. I'd also recommend it to people who love Chicago or would like to visit the city one day, as well as people who enjoy mob and prohibition-era history. Regardless of your interests, Cold Fury has something for everyone. Give this book a try, you won't be disappointed!
I'm going to start with the very few things that I don't like and then tell you about the many things that I do like about this book. The dialogue was a bit ridiculous and cheesy at times. It seems like Goeglein has watched gangster movies too many times and now thinks that anyone who lives in the general proximity of the mob will talk like a 1920s thug. I lived in Chicago for many years, and hope to return there once I get my BA, and I have never heard anyone my age or younger refer to someone else as a "knucklehead." I mean some of the dialect in the midwest is a bit archaic, but not that archaic. Also, the use of "pinhead" threw me a bit. That is yet another phrase I never heard uttered in the Chicagoland area. I'm 99.9% sure that no teenagers really say those words. Having the teenagers say those words kind of makes everyone in Chicago seem like they should be wearing fedoras and running from the "coppers" or something. It's pretty comical, so I laughed at some inopportune times because of that. Anyway, other than the dialogue, the pacing was a bit slow. It seemed to take a little longer than it should to get from one important point to the next. Those two issues aside, I loved this book.
Sara Jane is the strongest heroine I've ever read in an adult novel, AND she's a Cubs fan. She doesn't waste time taking care of what needs to be done, and she certainly doesn't spend her time pining after some boy. Sure, there are romantic interests in this book, but she barely has time to worry with them. Instead, she takes care of things that need to be done in order to find her family. She's loyal to her friends and puts her family first. The girl obviously has her priorities straight. And where a lot of YA heroines would have broken down, cried, and waited on some knight in shining armor type to save them, Sara Jane squares her shoulders and carries on. And guess what, when she meets a hot guy, she doesn't go crying to him about her problems. She keeps them to herself and does what she has to do. She even *gasp* turns down dates! It's a miracle in YA literature that a female would EVER turn down a date. Because of her independence (and the fact that she's a Cubs fan), I think she is the perfect YA heroine. There isn't a lot of secondary character involvement quite yet, but my favorite is Tyler. I hope to see more of him in the sequel.
I did love Sara Jane, but I think my favorite thing about this novel is that it feels like Chicago. Sara Jane's attitude and the way she interacts with the people around her, combined with the landscape painting that Goeglein does, made Cold Fury feel like home to me... which inevitably made me incredibly homesick. However, that Chicagoland feeling is part of what made me love this novel so much. It really does encompass all that is beautiful and terrible about the city. I hope the sequel has more of the same feel to it.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspenseful novels with a touch of the supernatural. I'd also recommend it to people who love Chicago or would like to visit the city one day, as well as people who enjoy mob and prohibition-era history. Regardless of your interests, Cold Fury has something for everyone. Give this book a try, you won't be disappointed!
July 21, 2012
The Short Story? - This is probably one of my favourite debuts of the year... I don't know yet for sure since it's "only" July but OH MY GOODNESS, this book was EPIC. It was so good, I can't even find fault it in - IT WAS PERFECT. Fast-paced, action-packed, mystery, suspense, thriller, mobsters, boys, money, sidekicks, Chicago, those are just a few words about Cold Fury. If that hasn't perked your attention, how about we add a kick- ass protagonist to the list? And let's not forget a refreshingly unique narrative voice! This is an incredible debut, Cold Fury is a MUST-READ.
The Long Story? - Everyone is more then welcome to stop reading my review right now and go buy the book because I have nothing but good words for Cold Fury. Cold Fury was phenomenal. It's a very fast-paced book where everything happens over only a short period of time. It was almost like one thing happened and then you turn the page and OH NO something else has gone wrong! Unpredictable, Goeglein drops plenty of bombs throughout the novel that really surprised me (in a good way). I loved how the novel is about the Chicago Mobs, I don't know about anyone else but I LOVE books and movies about mafias etc etc. Cold Fury is definitely a book that will appeal to both girls and boys. If you're not a fan of romance, this would also appeal to you as romance really does take the backseat. Filled with car chases, bare knuckle fights and more villains than a comic book, Cold Fury is a remarkable debut that I recommend to everyone!
Feel free to stop reading now and buy the book because I'm now going to gush about how amazing the characterisation is. Sara Jane is probably one of my favourite protagonists ever in terms of badassness. This girl has clearly got her priorities straight because family always comes first and no boy will get in the way of that! She's also a old movie lover, boxer chick and italian - if you're not in love with her already, read Cold Fury and you will be! There were lots of characters in the novel but there they were more of a come and go sort and there are too many of them for me to list but some of my favourites were - Willy who might have been old but could still kick ass, Tyler who had that bad boy quality that I really liked, Max who was adorable boyfriend material, Doug who was an awesome sidekick and Lou because he was so so so strong and brave! Definitely great characterisation!
In a nutshell, Cold Fury was a roller-coaster ride of a debut! I can't recommend it to you enough, seriously this might be one of my favourite debts of the year! Goeglein's beautifully written debut is pure entertainment from cover to cover. A brilliant protagonist, an incredible plot and a unique take on the YA genre that will appeal to both male and female readers!
The Long Story? - Everyone is more then welcome to stop reading my review right now and go buy the book because I have nothing but good words for Cold Fury. Cold Fury was phenomenal. It's a very fast-paced book where everything happens over only a short period of time. It was almost like one thing happened and then you turn the page and OH NO something else has gone wrong! Unpredictable, Goeglein drops plenty of bombs throughout the novel that really surprised me (in a good way). I loved how the novel is about the Chicago Mobs, I don't know about anyone else but I LOVE books and movies about mafias etc etc. Cold Fury is definitely a book that will appeal to both girls and boys. If you're not a fan of romance, this would also appeal to you as romance really does take the backseat. Filled with car chases, bare knuckle fights and more villains than a comic book, Cold Fury is a remarkable debut that I recommend to everyone!
Feel free to stop reading now and buy the book because I'm now going to gush about how amazing the characterisation is. Sara Jane is probably one of my favourite protagonists ever in terms of badassness. This girl has clearly got her priorities straight because family always comes first and no boy will get in the way of that! She's also a old movie lover, boxer chick and italian - if you're not in love with her already, read Cold Fury and you will be! There were lots of characters in the novel but there they were more of a come and go sort and there are too many of them for me to list but some of my favourites were - Willy who might have been old but could still kick ass, Tyler who had that bad boy quality that I really liked, Max who was adorable boyfriend material, Doug who was an awesome sidekick and Lou because he was so so so strong and brave! Definitely great characterisation!
In a nutshell, Cold Fury was a roller-coaster ride of a debut! I can't recommend it to you enough, seriously this might be one of my favourite debts of the year! Goeglein's beautifully written debut is pure entertainment from cover to cover. A brilliant protagonist, an incredible plot and a unique take on the YA genre that will appeal to both male and female readers!
July 25, 2012
Originally posted @ Book Whales
Cold Fury made me want to watch the sopranos again! This book is full of yummy goodness that will appeal to suspense and action lovers. The story will take you to the daunting streets of Chicago. Get ready for the twists and secrets that will put you on the edge of your seat. This book is fast paced!
The story is about Sara Jane’s quest to find her family and to discover the secrets behind the Rispoli Clan. She thought she had a normal life. She didn’t expect to be a daughter of a mafia! Her uncle had betrayed her; parents and brother are missing and mean assassins are looking for her. Will she be able to her find her family? Are they still alive? You have to read this book to find out.
The world building is very good! I feel like I was watching a movie. The scenes are very cinematic! The part when Sara Jane watched her dad mauled by a guy in ski mask from a recorded camera made my heart pump so fast. It was gripping! The author did a great job keeping the readers glued to the book too. There were many questions and secrets that were yet to be revealed. I find myself thirsty for answers! I simply want to squish the book to get the answers right then and there. Instead, I patiently tried to control myself and let the story unfold. This book is a page turner.
The characters are vibrant and well developed. Sara Jane reminds me of Katniss and a bit of Harry Potter. She’s my favorite character here. I love how she’s independent and courageous. She won’t stop until she finds her family, all in one piece. I love her strong personality too! Willy is my second favorite. I love his perception in life. They way the author wrote the book, impressed me. Cross-gender narration is not easy. I give him two thumbs up for pulling it off. I enjoyed Sarah Jane as a character! How the author / Sarah narrates her life, past and present made this book an enjoyable read.
As for the love angle, this book has little romance it in. I must confess that I’ am disappointed. I love books that can make my knees weak due to the sugary dialogues and chivalrous acts. This book gave me none.
Overall, this book is a marvelous read! Cold Fury will satisfy the reader’s hunger for action and suspense. I can’t wait to read the second book!
Rating:
Cold Fury made me want to watch the sopranos again! This book is full of yummy goodness that will appeal to suspense and action lovers. The story will take you to the daunting streets of Chicago. Get ready for the twists and secrets that will put you on the edge of your seat. This book is fast paced!
The story is about Sara Jane’s quest to find her family and to discover the secrets behind the Rispoli Clan. She thought she had a normal life. She didn’t expect to be a daughter of a mafia! Her uncle had betrayed her; parents and brother are missing and mean assassins are looking for her. Will she be able to her find her family? Are they still alive? You have to read this book to find out.
The world building is very good! I feel like I was watching a movie. The scenes are very cinematic! The part when Sara Jane watched her dad mauled by a guy in ski mask from a recorded camera made my heart pump so fast. It was gripping! The author did a great job keeping the readers glued to the book too. There were many questions and secrets that were yet to be revealed. I find myself thirsty for answers! I simply want to squish the book to get the answers right then and there. Instead, I patiently tried to control myself and let the story unfold. This book is a page turner.
The characters are vibrant and well developed. Sara Jane reminds me of Katniss and a bit of Harry Potter. She’s my favorite character here. I love how she’s independent and courageous. She won’t stop until she finds her family, all in one piece. I love her strong personality too! Willy is my second favorite. I love his perception in life. They way the author wrote the book, impressed me. Cross-gender narration is not easy. I give him two thumbs up for pulling it off. I enjoyed Sarah Jane as a character! How the author / Sarah narrates her life, past and present made this book an enjoyable read.
As for the love angle, this book has little romance it in. I must confess that I’ am disappointed. I love books that can make my knees weak due to the sugary dialogues and chivalrous acts. This book gave me none.
Overall, this book is a marvelous read! Cold Fury will satisfy the reader’s hunger for action and suspense. I can’t wait to read the second book!
Rating:
July 19, 2012
Oh. My. Goodness! I am going to try and keep my gushing down to a minimum but no promises. This is my favorite book of 2012 to date! Cold Fury is the kind of book that makes me wish that I had a rating higher than 5 gavels. It is in the superstar league that I reserve for Harry Potter and The Hunger Games (in my opinion). I felt like it was written specifically for me. It felt super personal and I absolutely loved every page, every word, and every second of reading it!
Let's start with Sarah Jane. Not only is Cold Fury my favorite book of 2012 so far- Sarah Jane is my favorite heroine ever. That’s right- I said EVER. She is just so cool! I instantly connected with her. Her critical skepticism and starkly realistic view of the world made her a girl after my own heart. Plus she is a fighter- both literally and figuratively. She's literally a boxer, and figuratively she never gives up. This is a girl I want on my side all the time. But the awesome thing is that she was so well rounded, but not perfect. She is pretty but she has an Italian nose. (which is a nice way of saying big nose. But I am allowed to say that because I too am an Italian with the same prominent facial feature) There are just so many quotes and lines from this book that I loved and completely captured my thoughts and emotions. I could honestly made a really cool composite of Cold Fury words of wisdom and quotes and hang it up in my room.
Sarah Jane isn't the only cool character. Willy is hilarious and Sarah's brother is so smart. Cold Fury is full of mystery, intrigue and tons of kick ass action and fighting. It deals with the Chicago mafia, and that aspect of it kind of reminded me of Mob Wives Chicago. Some of the stuff they say is hilarious. "once a rat, always a rat!" (I can't be the only one to watch that reality show! Such a guilty pleasure)
Cold Fury has you running through the streets of Chicago and through secret doors all over the place! And the way that background information and "mafia history" is flawlessly incorporated into the story had me engrossed from cover to cover. The writing is excellent, the story line even better and the characters are three dimensional and magnificent. This is going to be a hard book to top for me. Run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore on July 24th to snag a copy of Cold Fury. You won't be sorry, I promise!
Let's start with Sarah Jane. Not only is Cold Fury my favorite book of 2012 so far- Sarah Jane is my favorite heroine ever. That’s right- I said EVER. She is just so cool! I instantly connected with her. Her critical skepticism and starkly realistic view of the world made her a girl after my own heart. Plus she is a fighter- both literally and figuratively. She's literally a boxer, and figuratively she never gives up. This is a girl I want on my side all the time. But the awesome thing is that she was so well rounded, but not perfect. She is pretty but she has an Italian nose. (which is a nice way of saying big nose. But I am allowed to say that because I too am an Italian with the same prominent facial feature) There are just so many quotes and lines from this book that I loved and completely captured my thoughts and emotions. I could honestly made a really cool composite of Cold Fury words of wisdom and quotes and hang it up in my room.
Sarah Jane isn't the only cool character. Willy is hilarious and Sarah's brother is so smart. Cold Fury is full of mystery, intrigue and tons of kick ass action and fighting. It deals with the Chicago mafia, and that aspect of it kind of reminded me of Mob Wives Chicago. Some of the stuff they say is hilarious. "once a rat, always a rat!" (I can't be the only one to watch that reality show! Such a guilty pleasure)
Cold Fury has you running through the streets of Chicago and through secret doors all over the place! And the way that background information and "mafia history" is flawlessly incorporated into the story had me engrossed from cover to cover. The writing is excellent, the story line even better and the characters are three dimensional and magnificent. This is going to be a hard book to top for me. Run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore on July 24th to snag a copy of Cold Fury. You won't be sorry, I promise!
June 15, 2012
Well that was a badass little bit of fun.
Sara Jane Rispoli is your average, kinda shy teenager (who, okay, just so happens to box for fun) whose family runs a Chicago area bakery. Except one day she comes home and they're gone and the house has been totally tossed and it turns out that they're linked to the mob and her life is super in danger. You know, your average high school problems.
Turns into quite the action-packed little story as Sara Jane tries to unravel all these new secrets, find out what happened to her family, and, you know, not get killed.
Strongest thing to me about this book is the action. It is crazy with the action and the plot turns and the secrets being uncovered and the ass kickings, ie not the best thing for me to read before bed because it kept getting me so revved up. The secret underworld Goeglein created is super cool, esp to anyone who's lived in Chicago and/or is into mafia stuff. Def makes me wonder which, if any of said underworld, is based on real stuff or if it's all just the spawn of Goeglein's imagination. Either way, super cool.
Def feels like it's right in the sweet spot for the YA audience, honestly prob vg crossover for both male and female readers since it's got the female lead but is also packed with mafia/badassery. Also def feels v cinematic to me, like you can totally see it being the next Bourne or Laura Croft or whatever - very compelling female lead in jeopardy kicking ass on her own behalf. Wouldn't be surprised one whit if it got optioned for the screen, the author definitely did the key thing of creating a v unique and compelling lead character (which can be v hard to do) that actors would totally dig playing.
Speaking of which, this is another book that makes the interesting choice of putting a strong female character into a traditionally male world (one of my fave things they do in the Game of Thrones series). V interesting choice by the author, to show another world filled with the strong macho mindset/restricted roles for women and then puts a girl in it (a young one nonetheless) who not only bucks the rules, but has every reason to. Score one for feminism. Huzzah!
Sara Jane Rispoli is your average, kinda shy teenager (who, okay, just so happens to box for fun) whose family runs a Chicago area bakery. Except one day she comes home and they're gone and the house has been totally tossed and it turns out that they're linked to the mob and her life is super in danger. You know, your average high school problems.
Turns into quite the action-packed little story as Sara Jane tries to unravel all these new secrets, find out what happened to her family, and, you know, not get killed.
Strongest thing to me about this book is the action. It is crazy with the action and the plot turns and the secrets being uncovered and the ass kickings, ie not the best thing for me to read before bed because it kept getting me so revved up. The secret underworld Goeglein created is super cool, esp to anyone who's lived in Chicago and/or is into mafia stuff. Def makes me wonder which, if any of said underworld, is based on real stuff or if it's all just the spawn of Goeglein's imagination. Either way, super cool.
Def feels like it's right in the sweet spot for the YA audience, honestly prob vg crossover for both male and female readers since it's got the female lead but is also packed with mafia/badassery. Also def feels v cinematic to me, like you can totally see it being the next Bourne or Laura Croft or whatever - very compelling female lead in jeopardy kicking ass on her own behalf. Wouldn't be surprised one whit if it got optioned for the screen, the author definitely did the key thing of creating a v unique and compelling lead character (which can be v hard to do) that actors would totally dig playing.
Speaking of which, this is another book that makes the interesting choice of putting a strong female character into a traditionally male world (one of my fave things they do in the Game of Thrones series). V interesting choice by the author, to show another world filled with the strong macho mindset/restricted roles for women and then puts a girl in it (a young one nonetheless) who not only bucks the rules, but has every reason to. Score one for feminism. Huzzah!
July 21, 2012
So upon reading this, I was asked to be in the Cold Fury tour. I was pretty excited, even though I'd never heard of the book or author. But when I received it in the mail, I was elated and ready to jump on it! Sadly, things were getting in the way here and there so it took me awhile to finally finish this. But wow, what an awesome journey it was!! Thank you T.M for allowing me to be a part of your tour! You rock!
So to move on with my review.....
Sara Jane Rispoli is about to turn 16. But wow, what a life she is living and what a way to spend your sweet sixteen. First of all, she is facing regular teen issues. She is an outcast, doesn't have a date for prom and her family keeps so many secrets that when she enters the room, they are all so quiet and obvious. Talk about a lovely family. It's like you wonder what they are so hush hush about. Oh and on top of that, your uncle is married to a real demanding, inconsiderate little bitch. Her family owns a bakery but constantly fight about who will get it once the grandfather passes. It's a real joy being Sara. She finds out there is a notebook filled with family secrets and people are after her to get it back.....
Her family including her little brother mysteriously disappear and she wants to know why and what the Hell is going on. Sara takes us on this ride that is pretty bumpy but very thrilling. I loved her voice. I felt like she was telling me her story and I was seeing it through her eyes. We got to see everything leading up to the disappearance and got to know the characters and their personalities. I normally don't read these kinds of books but it was a fresh new story and I enjoyed it alot. There is also no romance but I feel in the next book there will be some for sure. This is the first of a trilogy and I think everyone should read it. It was definitely fun and intense at times. I can't wait to see what happens in the next one! Sara Jane is definitely a kick ass heroine and she reminds me of Katniss!! Go Sara!!!
July 4, 2012
I won Cold Fury in a giveaway on LibraryThing. Before I start, I’d like to make a small note to just say that I rarely directly ask publishers for ARCs (have never been given them either) and usually these ARC reviews are from giveaways I’ve won or digital e-ARCs that I’ve been granted through NetGalley or Edelweiss. (You can find my full review here: Review of Cold Fury
Cold Fury took me by surprise really. I’ve always loved movies like Mission Impossible and The Bourne Supremacy, and while reading this book, I felt like I’d been transported into one of those films. The thing about this story is that it’s different. It’s not your typical YA Mystery/Contemporary. It completely feels like its own genre while you’re reading. You have action and adventure, mystery and a little bit of romance, suspense and family drama--all rolled into one nicely written tale. What I liked best was the narration. Sara Jane has spunk, despite her flaws. She’s not perfect, physically or emotionally, and she’s not afraid to admit it. But she does her best and gives you a story that you don’t want to stop reading, even when you’re about to burn supper (true story).
Everything about this story grabbed me. I have to be honest though…it’s not as fast-paced as I’d hoped. It started a bit slow with a solid building of the characters, life, and background, but I really didn’t have a problem with this. Some people may. Some people may go running for it expecting something so action-packed that it never quits from the first page. This is not it. I’m a character and plot-driven person. And that’s what I loved about Cold Fury. It gave it all. I saw a movie in my mind playing the entire time.
Cold Fury --a fantastic page-turner.
<3
Pixie
Cold Fury took me by surprise really. I’ve always loved movies like Mission Impossible and The Bourne Supremacy, and while reading this book, I felt like I’d been transported into one of those films. The thing about this story is that it’s different. It’s not your typical YA Mystery/Contemporary. It completely feels like its own genre while you’re reading. You have action and adventure, mystery and a little bit of romance, suspense and family drama--all rolled into one nicely written tale. What I liked best was the narration. Sara Jane has spunk, despite her flaws. She’s not perfect, physically or emotionally, and she’s not afraid to admit it. But she does her best and gives you a story that you don’t want to stop reading, even when you’re about to burn supper (true story).
Everything about this story grabbed me. I have to be honest though…it’s not as fast-paced as I’d hoped. It started a bit slow with a solid building of the characters, life, and background, but I really didn’t have a problem with this. Some people may. Some people may go running for it expecting something so action-packed that it never quits from the first page. This is not it. I’m a character and plot-driven person. And that’s what I loved about Cold Fury. It gave it all. I saw a movie in my mind playing the entire time.
Cold Fury --a fantastic page-turner.
<3
Pixie
September 14, 2012
I could not finish this book.
When I first read the blurb for this book, I was so excited for a thriller with a female lead in the young adult spectrum. I mean, what's not to like if it truly is Bourne meets The Godfather. However, I was truly disappointed in Colf Fury.
What disappointed me?
First off, the action was extremely slow. I was expecting a fast-paced, on the edge of your seat pursuit where the clues just keep coming and you just keep getting thrown back with surprise. But none of that came. I was 100 pages into the book and absolutely nothing had happened. There was nothing to catch and keep my attention.
The writing felt more like rambling than flushed out and thought through prose. Its written as if Sara is looking back on the events of her life and telling her story to someone. This would be fine if she would stick to the main events, but instead, she tells us every little detail of her past and you just get lost in the minute details. She could have stuck to the big events and maybe kept my attention and interest better.
If you are the type of person who can make it through the slow parts to get to the better parts, then you might enjoy this book. However, do not expect Bourne or The Godfather, because unfortunately, neither of those are seen in this book.
When I first read the blurb for this book, I was so excited for a thriller with a female lead in the young adult spectrum. I mean, what's not to like if it truly is Bourne meets The Godfather. However, I was truly disappointed in Colf Fury.
What disappointed me?
First off, the action was extremely slow. I was expecting a fast-paced, on the edge of your seat pursuit where the clues just keep coming and you just keep getting thrown back with surprise. But none of that came. I was 100 pages into the book and absolutely nothing had happened. There was nothing to catch and keep my attention.
The writing felt more like rambling than flushed out and thought through prose. Its written as if Sara is looking back on the events of her life and telling her story to someone. This would be fine if she would stick to the main events, but instead, she tells us every little detail of her past and you just get lost in the minute details. She could have stuck to the big events and maybe kept my attention and interest better.
If you are the type of person who can make it through the slow parts to get to the better parts, then you might enjoy this book. However, do not expect Bourne or The Godfather, because unfortunately, neither of those are seen in this book.
May 4, 2012
A fast and very furious read, this book grabs a hold of you and won't let go until you finished it. And then it leaves you anxiously waiting for part 2 in the series, and with the hope that there will be a movie down the road.
The writing is so rich and colorful, it makes you feel like you're right in the middle of the action, you can picture every scenario vividly. If you're from Chicago or even visited once, you will recognize a lot of the locations which makes the story even more tangible.
For two days I suffered and rejoiced with teenager Sara Jane Rispoli and her sidekick, Doug, movie-obsessed and a bit overweight, and her Italian Greyhound, Harry.
This book is action-packed, but it also provides a rich exploration of its characters and the Chicago mob scene.
I found it particularly interesting to read a book from the perspective of a 16-year-old girl, written by a male author. Definitely a recipe for a bad-ass heroine, but she has a vulnerable girly side that faces all the typical coming of age challenges, like every other girl... except she finds out that she is just not like every other girl.
Despite its categorization as a Young Adult book, I am convinced that this series will captivate readers of all ages.
The writing is so rich and colorful, it makes you feel like you're right in the middle of the action, you can picture every scenario vividly. If you're from Chicago or even visited once, you will recognize a lot of the locations which makes the story even more tangible.
For two days I suffered and rejoiced with teenager Sara Jane Rispoli and her sidekick, Doug, movie-obsessed and a bit overweight, and her Italian Greyhound, Harry.
This book is action-packed, but it also provides a rich exploration of its characters and the Chicago mob scene.
I found it particularly interesting to read a book from the perspective of a 16-year-old girl, written by a male author. Definitely a recipe for a bad-ass heroine, but she has a vulnerable girly side that faces all the typical coming of age challenges, like every other girl... except she finds out that she is just not like every other girl.
Despite its categorization as a Young Adult book, I am convinced that this series will captivate readers of all ages.
July 27, 2012
This book is a fast-paced, page-turning thrill ride! T.M. Goeglein's teenage heroine is one that SO many of us can relate to, and yet this particular teenager, Sara Jane Rispoli, is also a closet badass with a unique supernatural power that even she is still attempting to understand and harness.
Goeglein's writing is fluid and exciting, and you find yourself tucked within it, watching the action alongside Sara Jane (and rooting for her to get out of each situation alive!) The imagery is vivid, film-like, and so suspenseful that it will keep you up reading much longer than you'd intended. The end of each chapter only makes you more eager to move on to the next!
As a Chicagoan, Goeglein has transformed my city into a dark, magical place where I am wondering what's lurking around every corner and behind every closed door. The thought of this dangerous underground world running parallel to my own daily routine makes even the most mundane errand thrilling and new!
I could say much more about this book, but I don't want to spoil the adventure for anyone else.
Now I just have to sit tight and wait for book 2...
you
July 23, 2012
Cold Fury is not in the typical genre I would usually read but none the less it was enjoyable. Sara Jane is your typical loner teen. She avoids the limelight and appreciates seclusion. The one thing she loves and
cherishes the most is her close-knit family. Her world gets turned upside down when her parents and brother disappear and she is left to uncover her family's deep and dark secrets.
Cold Fury has the feel of a diary entry. It is informative and very detailed. There is insight into everything with not one subject skimmed over. Cold Fury oozes mystery with secrets being spilled at every turn. The exciting and well written storyline makes for an adventure that intrigues and consumes. I found that in some parts of the book Goeglein took his time to explain things but further in I found that it was necessary to do so because the information is needed to understand what happens down the track.
All in all it was an entertaining read and I am curious to see what happens in the next one.
cherishes the most is her close-knit family. Her world gets turned upside down when her parents and brother disappear and she is left to uncover her family's deep and dark secrets.
Cold Fury has the feel of a diary entry. It is informative and very detailed. There is insight into everything with not one subject skimmed over. Cold Fury oozes mystery with secrets being spilled at every turn. The exciting and well written storyline makes for an adventure that intrigues and consumes. I found that in some parts of the book Goeglein took his time to explain things but further in I found that it was necessary to do so because the information is needed to understand what happens down the track.
All in all it was an entertaining read and I am curious to see what happens in the next one.
February 9, 2012
The hard part will be waiting for the next book..
February 6, 2017
i do have to say i was a bit disappointed by this book. it was okay but not great, i¨m alittle unsure if ill buy the rest of the series.
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