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The Way Back
Something ravenous lurks in a Mississippi swamp.
When twelve-year-old Jake Kelly sees his father attacked by a rogue alligator, he becomes obsessed with hunting the beast down. To help in his quest, Jake enlists the aid of his friend, Buck Miller, and a reclusive outcast named Abe Garner. But Jake soon learns there’s more to the old hermit than anyone knows.
And once trapped in the swamp, the boys discover the creature they seek isn’t the monster they thought it was...
It’s something much worse.
When hope is lost, faith will find the way back.
When twelve-year-old Jake Kelly sees his father attacked by a rogue alligator, he becomes obsessed with hunting the beast down. To help in his quest, Jake enlists the aid of his friend, Buck Miller, and a reclusive outcast named Abe Garner. But Jake soon learns there’s more to the old hermit than anyone knows.
And once trapped in the swamp, the boys discover the creature they seek isn’t the monster they thought it was...
It’s something much worse.
When hope is lost, faith will find the way back.
- GenresChristian Fiction
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2013
39 people want to read
About the author
Tom Pawlik
10 books67 followersJUMP IN. HANG ON.
Tom Pawlik award-winning author of the The Quantum Chronicles a series of rip-roaring space adventures featuring his half-alien hero, Johnny Quantum. He has also written Vanish, Valley of the Shadow, Beckon, The Way Back, Son of Man and Recollection from the 7 Hours anthology. His thought-provoking, edge-of-your-seat thrillers are infused with nonstop suspense that grabs you on the first page and won't let go until the last. He lives in Ohio with his wife, six children and one large dog. He currently works as a novelist, educator and freelance writer. He’s also an accomplished public speaker and loves to address almost any group to talk about writing, story, art and culture or just about any other topic he thinks he knows everything about.
Tom Pawlik award-winning author of the The Quantum Chronicles a series of rip-roaring space adventures featuring his half-alien hero, Johnny Quantum. He has also written Vanish, Valley of the Shadow, Beckon, The Way Back, Son of Man and Recollection from the 7 Hours anthology. His thought-provoking, edge-of-your-seat thrillers are infused with nonstop suspense that grabs you on the first page and won't let go until the last. He lives in Ohio with his wife, six children and one large dog. He currently works as a novelist, educator and freelance writer. He’s also an accomplished public speaker and loves to address almost any group to talk about writing, story, art and culture or just about any other topic he thinks he knows everything about.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 27, 2020
I think the book is geared more towards young adults as the writing is a bit amateur in my opinion but it was a quick read and I liked the ending.
December 17, 2020
I agree with Tom Pawlik... this is also my favorite one of his books.
August 29, 2013
I am so ashamed of myself for not getting to this book earlier! I received a pre-publication of this book from Mr. Pawlik last spring, and just got to reading it today. So, to Mr. Pawlik, I apologize.
What a treasure!!!
From the first page to the last, the book is rife with emotional turmoil, danger, intrigue, and the premise that life, good or bad, has a way of touching so many individuals.
I found the book a rare treat. In a world where so many novelists seem pleased to toss out some garbage and expect us to proclaim it a literary winner, Mr. Pawlik really gives us a novel we can put our teeth into, stay on the edge of our seats, and yet come away with a tear in our eye!
Already a Christy Award Winner, Mr. Pawlik has a talent that I hope to continue reading for many years to come.
I highly recommend The Way Back for readers of 15-years and older.. There is some graphic content [an animal killing humans, and racial bias] that may be too mature for the very young.
I give this book FIVE STARS and a big THUMBS UP!
What a treasure!!!
From the first page to the last, the book is rife with emotional turmoil, danger, intrigue, and the premise that life, good or bad, has a way of touching so many individuals.
I found the book a rare treat. In a world where so many novelists seem pleased to toss out some garbage and expect us to proclaim it a literary winner, Mr. Pawlik really gives us a novel we can put our teeth into, stay on the edge of our seats, and yet come away with a tear in our eye!
Already a Christy Award Winner, Mr. Pawlik has a talent that I hope to continue reading for many years to come.
I highly recommend The Way Back for readers of 15-years and older.. There is some graphic content [an animal killing humans, and racial bias] that may be too mature for the very young.
I give this book FIVE STARS and a big THUMBS UP!
January 28, 2014
7/10.
It's like a redeeming Stand By Me.
It gets you in the heart.
He's such a talented writer, it's a pity he didn't set out to write this as a novella as it could have been even more powerful.
It's like a redeeming Stand By Me.
It gets you in the heart.
He's such a talented writer, it's a pity he didn't set out to write this as a novella as it could have been even more powerful.
March 7, 2014
A captivating read about crocodiles, coming of age, and dealing with age-old question of "why do bad things happen?" from a biblical perspective. Hearkens back to Stand By Me, would even be a worthwhile read for young teens, though they better be ready for some intensity!
November 9, 2018
Probably in the top 5 of best Christian novels about man-eating crocodiles...or at least in the top 10.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews