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Avalanche
This is a novel about friendship without bounds. Mike and Nick meet in the Alps on a scientific expedition. They become very close, but struggle to place their relationship in the context of their lives. They fear that the bond between them will not survive outside their research hut, and that the outside world will present challenges impossible to overcome. But then a tragic accident changes their lives forever... This story is an investigation into the nature of ties between people, the limits of loyalty and the power of conventions.
534 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2014
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Xena Semikina
4 books5 followersYou can find me on Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Xen...
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 8, 2014
Avalanche starts off as a gripping medical thriller set in the Alps and transforms into the relationship drama and romantic suspense. Except for the fact that the romance here is of no sexual nature.
Imagine, a bond between a mother and her child, between two siblings.
What happens when two people meet and develop a bond so tight and sublime that nothing seems to destroy it? Well, the circumstances may still destroy Nick and Mike. How will they cope with it if it takes more than they can bear? How can they evade vicious circles of doubt, worry, misjudgement, blackmail and outright hostility.
Days after I've read it, I still can't stop thinking about it. If you have ever experienced a 'book hangover', you know you've come across something precious. Avalanche will sweep you away, you've been warned.
Imagine, a bond between a mother and her child, between two siblings.
What happens when two people meet and develop a bond so tight and sublime that nothing seems to destroy it? Well, the circumstances may still destroy Nick and Mike. How will they cope with it if it takes more than they can bear? How can they evade vicious circles of doubt, worry, misjudgement, blackmail and outright hostility.
Days after I've read it, I still can't stop thinking about it. If you have ever experienced a 'book hangover', you know you've come across something precious. Avalanche will sweep you away, you've been warned.
January 12, 2015
This book spoiled me! It starts out with such an exhilarating beginning that it's hard to put the book down and just when you think things are about to settle down they take another turn and lead to a whole list of other problems. It's a rollercoaster of emotions both frustrating and beautiful! An absolute must read. I say it spoiled me because after reading this I haven't found anything to draw me in as much as this book did.
However, although I do love the book I personally feel it lacked one thing (I'm not sure if this may be considered a spoiler so heads up): the consummation of physical love, not in an erotic way but in the nurturing way of wanting to fulfill your soul-mate's every aspect; 100% and then some. I hate reading a story with gratuitous love making scenes but the development of this story as it is would be one perfect example were a simple kiss of love would be triumphantly rewarding.
But filling the blanks is part of the joy of the whole adventure and it makes for this story such a wonderful read.
However, although I do love the book I personally feel it lacked one thing (I'm not sure if this may be considered a spoiler so heads up): the consummation of physical love, not in an erotic way but in the nurturing way of wanting to fulfill your soul-mate's every aspect; 100% and then some. I hate reading a story with gratuitous love making scenes but the development of this story as it is would be one perfect example were a simple kiss of love would be triumphantly rewarding.
But filling the blanks is part of the joy of the whole adventure and it makes for this story such a wonderful read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2015
The beginning of this book, pulled me in. It's well written and smart, and completely unique. The premise was enjoyable. I found it a little hard to relate to the characters because their friendship is so completely intense and immediate, almost, but I still was sucked in. It ended up, however, overpowering me with the angst, manipulation and out right doubt. I'm good with angst, and all of these other emotions, but it's simply "too much". The comfort balance is barely there, but, still, it does what it is intended to do, taking you along for the ride, making you as off balance as the characters in the story. That's good.
What isn't good, or at least for me isn't good, is the suspense of disbelief necessary to buy into it, full heartedly.
We have characters that are so head over heels in love with each other, that who have such intense inner dialogue and depth and have literally exhausted you with their friendship, and they are literally so internally homophobic that they STILL at the resolution, and on the way to their HEA, still can't even comprehend the idea that they might be gay, and certainly never act on it. This is so unrealistic I can't swallow it. They push themselves to the point of dementia, and possible death, to be at each others side, come what may, and they can't even THINK to themselves in their alone time that this is anything more than friendship, and never so much as kiss? lol. These "straight, not at all gay men" cuddle on the couch, they passionately embrace, snuggle and drag each other from the depths of despair at every turn, while reiterating, over and over again, "no homo". and that just makes me horribly sad, for a book that could've nailed it.
Having said that, this was written more than a decade ago, I see. The literary world has come a long way baby.
Maybe back then we weren't ready.
Maybe we still aren't.
I cared enough about the characters to tell myself maybe these crazy kids are living in a chateau, with Mary, who is about 11 just now, and living the family life they so desperately deserved ;)
What isn't good, or at least for me isn't good, is the suspense of disbelief necessary to buy into it, full heartedly.
We have characters that are so head over heels in love with each other, that who have such intense inner dialogue and depth and have literally exhausted you with their friendship, and they are literally so internally homophobic that they STILL at the resolution, and on the way to their HEA, still can't even comprehend the idea that they might be gay, and certainly never act on it. This is so unrealistic I can't swallow it. They push themselves to the point of dementia, and possible death, to be at each others side, come what may, and they can't even THINK to themselves in their alone time that this is anything more than friendship, and never so much as kiss? lol. These "straight, not at all gay men" cuddle on the couch, they passionately embrace, snuggle and drag each other from the depths of despair at every turn, while reiterating, over and over again, "no homo". and that just makes me horribly sad, for a book that could've nailed it.
Having said that, this was written more than a decade ago, I see. The literary world has come a long way baby.
Maybe back then we weren't ready.
Maybe we still aren't.
I cared enough about the characters to tell myself maybe these crazy kids are living in a chateau, with Mary, who is about 11 just now, and living the family life they so desperately deserved ;)
September 19, 2016
This is the very definition of emotional roller-coaster. It's a story of a friendship or some might call it a compulsive platonic love that can endure anything.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews