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Smoke on the Mountain: A Story of Survival
Cody McAlister, a 32-year-old Atlanta attorney, had everything: his dream job, a healthy bank account, and a beautiful wife. But two years after a bitter divorce and a bout of heavy drinking, Cody is still struggling to put the pieces of his once-idyllic life back together. In an effort to regain his sanity, he embarks on a five-day backcountry fly fishing trip to revitalize and reassess his life. When the unthinkable happens, Cody finds himself in a fight for his life. It's a battle that no courtroom drama can match—a test that will challenge his own basic beliefs about success, happiness, and what it means to truly live. With the help of a widowed fly shop owner and a determined park ranger, Cody must dig deep within himself to survive.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2013
177 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
J. Michael Stewart
6 books10 followersJ. Michael Stewart is the author of four novels. An avid fisherman, he spends his free time on a lake or river whenever possible. He lives in Northern Arkansas near the White River and Bull Shoals Lake with his wife and daughter.
To contact him, or for more information about J. Michael Stewart, please visit www.authorjmichaelstewart.com.
To contact him, or for more information about J. Michael Stewart, please visit www.authorjmichaelstewart.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 2, 2018
Slow read 😴
Didn’t like much about it actually. Weak story with far too much detail spent on inconsequential matter. Found myself skimming to get back to the “meat” of the story.
Didn’t like much about it actually. Weak story with far too much detail spent on inconsequential matter. Found myself skimming to get back to the “meat” of the story.
July 27, 2016
Survival in the Smoky Mts.!!
A great and well written story about a fishing trip that goes awry and the efforts made by others to make it a successful rescue mission. Great detail in the characters and the beautiful Smoky Mts., fast paced and exciting.
A great and well written story about a fishing trip that goes awry and the efforts made by others to make it a successful rescue mission. Great detail in the characters and the beautiful Smoky Mts., fast paced and exciting.
December 2, 2018
Suspense , didn't want to stop reading
Great story with authentic outdoor experiences . I've never had experience with bears but it seems real . Anyone who loves to fish can appreciate the descriptions of catching wild trout and the thrill of setting the hook on a strong fighter . Highly recommended to lovers of fishing and the outdoors and those who like to read a book with tension building story line .
Great story with authentic outdoor experiences . I've never had experience with bears but it seems real . Anyone who loves to fish can appreciate the descriptions of catching wild trout and the thrill of setting the hook on a strong fighter . Highly recommended to lovers of fishing and the outdoors and those who like to read a book with tension building story line .
January 9, 2019
The book started out rudimentary and then the bear attack happened which I did not anticipate at all and I really enjoyed reading it and it kept me coming back to finish the story. Even though I know Cody survives, I accidentally read the second book in the series - Fire on the Water - first. I didn’t realize it was second in the series. It makes me want to read the author’s other books. I enjoyed this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2017
Really enjoyed this book! The characters were well developed so you could get into their life. I enjoy outdoor adventure books. I definitely would take some critter protection with me on a trip like that!
I have visited western NC so I was familiar with some of the areas mentioned in the book. Keep the books coming!
I have visited western NC so I was familiar with some of the areas mentioned in the book. Keep the books coming!
September 19, 2018
Smoke and Bears
It seemed to start out slow but didn't stay that way. I couldn't wait to finish it. It was exciting and nerve wracking. It was worth reading and I can't wait to read the next one!
It seemed to start out slow but didn't stay that way. I couldn't wait to finish it. It was exciting and nerve wracking. It was worth reading and I can't wait to read the next one!
September 9, 2017
Aawesome
Another great author, gripping suspenseful and did not want to ever put it down. Cannot wait to read next book.
Another great author, gripping suspenseful and did not want to ever put it down. Cannot wait to read next book.
December 24, 2017
Good enough for me
the story was a good one with page turning qualities. Exciting with some unexpected turns that turned out to have different endings.
the story was a good one with page turning qualities. Exciting with some unexpected turns that turned out to have different endings.
August 21, 2018
Great short book
Great read, never boring with plenty of action always happening cause you can't go wrong with drama and love that's for sure!
Great read, never boring with plenty of action always happening cause you can't go wrong with drama and love that's for sure!
December 14, 2018
Exciting and well written
Meant for the outdoor enthusiasts but would be enjoyed by anyone who likes thrillers. Very detailed and graphic. I will read the next one.
Meant for the outdoor enthusiasts but would be enjoyed by anyone who likes thrillers. Very detailed and graphic. I will read the next one.
July 11, 2019
Great book
This was an exciting book. I super enjoyed it. Draws the reader into the story and it's very believable. Thanks for a great rwad.
This was an exciting book. I super enjoyed it. Draws the reader into the story and it's very believable. Thanks for a great rwad.
November 10, 2025
Great
This was an awesome book , about survival and the determination to servive, I would recommend reading this book. Thanks
This was an awesome book , about survival and the determination to servive, I would recommend reading this book. Thanks
October 20, 2013
I am an avid reader of all types of books and read about 4 or 5 books a week. This book is great. I am about halfway through but wanted to say how great it is. It is as good or better than a lot of books that I have read. It is truly a good story and I can't hardly put it down. Very exciting and I truly think that this author has a great talent and can't wait to finish it and read more of his books. Keep them coming Jason. You have done a great job.
February 27, 2014
Have to give at least 4 stars based on the fact that it was hard to put down. Read this adventure in a few days. Author had a great storyline and will no doubt continue to polish his skills. Only feedback would be that sometimes details were given to areas that did not need much and could of been used elsewhere to bring more life to surroundings and characters. Like Giving the bear some background and mindset. Otherwise, great read!
January 24, 2015
Excellent read
If you are looking for suspense, this is it. Blending the horror of a bear attack with the suspense of a rescue / survival story this one has it all. Strong characters, and the fantastic descriptions of a mountain rescue kept me reading late into the night. Can't wait to read the second book.
If you are looking for suspense, this is it. Blending the horror of a bear attack with the suspense of a rescue / survival story this one has it all. Strong characters, and the fantastic descriptions of a mountain rescue kept me reading late into the night. Can't wait to read the second book.
February 3, 2015
Victory over life's struggles
I give this 7 stars...A intriguing story about one man's struggle to survive couched with three other people's struggle to survive as well. We all have seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life. Some can not get past while others overcome. This is a story about overcoming.
I give this 7 stars...A intriguing story about one man's struggle to survive couched with three other people's struggle to survive as well. We all have seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life. Some can not get past while others overcome. This is a story about overcoming.
November 27, 2013
Excellent read! I voraciously read this highly suspenseful book. I really liked the way the author developed his characters and the journey the reader gets to take with them. I can't wait to read what else this author has in store for us!
September 5, 2014
The great outdoors
From the moment I started reading this book,I couldn't put it down. I felt as though I was right there in the story.
From the moment I started reading this book,I couldn't put it down. I felt as though I was right there in the story.
September 2, 2015
Warm hearted story of love and survival
The story tugs at your emotional sleeve and is also a realistic portrayal of survival in the wilderness in extremely dangerous situation
The story tugs at your emotional sleeve and is also a realistic portrayal of survival in the wilderness in extremely dangerous situation
November 26, 2015
Gre
F2f Read. The author's story telling was excellent. I enjoyed the. Book very much. KUDO' s to the author. Very real and could. Really happen to someone in real life.
F2f Read. The author's story telling was excellent. I enjoyed the. Book very much. KUDO' s to the author. Very real and could. Really happen to someone in real life.
June 9, 2016
Survive
That's the only thing you can do when a bear attacks. Cody draws on everything he has to survive. Great storyline.
That's the only thing you can do when a bear attacks. Cody draws on everything he has to survive. Great storyline.
March 31, 2017
Great reading
I was pleased to read a wholesome book about adventure and courage. Well written with care for detail but also captivating
I was pleased to read a wholesome book about adventure and courage. Well written with care for detail but also captivating
April 21, 2017
Great Read
Enjoyed this book! Kept picking it back up. Great character development. No sexual scenes and it held my interest. Will read more by this author!
Enjoyed this book! Kept picking it back up. Great character development. No sexual scenes and it held my interest. Will read more by this author!
April 28, 2017
Bearly enough
The book has an interesting premise of survival against all odds. Characters could use some depth but yet, they kept one in the plot. A good beginning for a series perhaps.
The book has an interesting premise of survival against all odds. Characters could use some depth but yet, they kept one in the plot. A good beginning for a series perhaps.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews