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Erupt
Mt. Hood in Oregon erupts with terrifying power.
A shock wave slams into a helicopter carrying two volcanologists. A thousand-degree cloud of ash hurtles at hurricane speeds down the mountainside toward two hikers. Suffocating ash rains down on the campsite of a troubled teenager, stranding him and his family miles from help.
Massive mudflows rush down the river valleys and into 23-year-old Chad Keppler's small town. His lifelong dream is to be a firefighter, but after he fails the physical test, that dream seems about to slip away. But he can do this one thing: wade into the swirling, debris-filled mud, to prove to himself that he has the strength and courage it takes to save lives.
A shock wave slams into a helicopter carrying two volcanologists. A thousand-degree cloud of ash hurtles at hurricane speeds down the mountainside toward two hikers. Suffocating ash rains down on the campsite of a troubled teenager, stranding him and his family miles from help.
Massive mudflows rush down the river valleys and into 23-year-old Chad Keppler's small town. His lifelong dream is to be a firefighter, but after he fails the physical test, that dream seems about to slip away. But he can do this one thing: wade into the swirling, debris-filled mud, to prove to himself that he has the strength and courage it takes to save lives.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2014
88 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Lou Cadle
32 books124 followersLou Cadle grew up in Tornado Alley near the New Madrid fault, was in San Francisco's 1989 earthquake, watched minor eruptions of Mt. St. Helens from close up, and hiked several times over Kilauea's active lava flows. Cadle currently lives in haboob country.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 14, 2015
A disaster novel you can enjoy
A large cast of interesting characters are at Mt Hood when it erupts. This details the days leading up to the eruption, the eruption day, and a few days after.
For the most part the various characters and events were believable, and their motives and actions made sense. That is often not the case in disaster books, having read quite a few.
I liked Ellen and Ty's story, and Chad's was also very good.
The eventual fate of Sylvie the waitress, while interesting, was kind of jarring, but it did make sense.
Results: well written, believable, and the characters were interesting and realistic. It's a good book, worth reading.
A large cast of interesting characters are at Mt Hood when it erupts. This details the days leading up to the eruption, the eruption day, and a few days after.
For the most part the various characters and events were believable, and their motives and actions made sense. That is often not the case in disaster books, having read quite a few.
I liked Ellen and Ty's story, and Chad's was also very good.
The eventual fate of Sylvie the waitress, while interesting, was kind of jarring, but it did make sense.
Results: well written, believable, and the characters were interesting and realistic. It's a good book, worth reading.
November 15, 2017
This is another good book from the author. In this case the eruption is of Mt. Hood. As usual, he does a really good job with his characters.
Chad: Wants to be a firefighter but his legs aren't strong enough.
Norio: Scientist who values data above people.
Ellen: A librarian who has taken an unfortunate vacation.
Jim: Young boy of Hmong ancestry. Cultural problems at home.
Kate: Director of Cascade Volcano Observatory.
Cadle puts his characters through hell, basically. Some involve people being in the place at the wrong time. Chad and another worker make a valiant effort to help people after the volcano erupts and starts covering everything with mud and debris (washed down from melting glaciers.) Ellen will probably give up hiking forever.
Norio establishes himself as a grade number one mad scientist wanna-be, always wanting to save data he's taken over saving people. I really got to dislike him. He shows all the worst traits a scientist can have carrying his wanting data to a ridiculous extreme.
The descriptions of what is going on are also well done. I've read a bunch of his books and this one is also a really good one.
Chad: Wants to be a firefighter but his legs aren't strong enough.
Norio: Scientist who values data above people.
Ellen: A librarian who has taken an unfortunate vacation.
Jim: Young boy of Hmong ancestry. Cultural problems at home.
Kate: Director of Cascade Volcano Observatory.
Cadle puts his characters through hell, basically. Some involve people being in the place at the wrong time. Chad and another worker make a valiant effort to help people after the volcano erupts and starts covering everything with mud and debris (washed down from melting glaciers.) Ellen will probably give up hiking forever.
Norio establishes himself as a grade number one mad scientist wanna-be, always wanting to save data he's taken over saving people. I really got to dislike him. He shows all the worst traits a scientist can have carrying his wanting data to a ridiculous extreme.
The descriptions of what is going on are also well done. I've read a bunch of his books and this one is also a really good one.
November 4, 2017
Though his story telling is a little to the point, Cadle has clearly done his homework and has a passion for the natural disasters he writes about. I'm going to enjoy his stories. The pacing is fast, the characters are enjoyable, and he delivers a delicious sense of tension that actually had me nervously looking around my room, waiting for a lahar to suddenly and unexpectedly pour in. A lot of fun, will read more!
February 4, 2018
Having lived in Portland, Oregon for six months, I was interested in this tale of Mt Hood erupting. There was a lot of practical science in what would happen as well as good research on the area. The characters were all interesting, especially Chad and Ellen, both seeing a lot of good character development. The writing was good with not many errors. It did a great job keeping my attention, but ended a bit abruptly but was a really good story.
November 6, 2015
This is a good story. Not a great one but kept me interested. It is about a volcano erupting and normal people who do exceptional things for others. It is not a serial. It is a stand alone story. There is Gray 1 and Quake that come before and after but as far as I can tell they don't contain the same event or characters.
April 12, 2015
Great book
Well-developed story line. Interesting characters that you become invested in and hope for their survival. Scientific facts provide an interesting backdrop to the story.
Well-developed story line. Interesting characters that you become invested in and hope for their survival. Scientific facts provide an interesting backdrop to the story.
July 7, 2015
Wow! Most excellent!
Incredible story, well written with characters you will be drawn to love or maybe even hate. This book is more than just a story, it is also an educational journey.
Incredible story, well written with characters you will be drawn to love or maybe even hate. This book is more than just a story, it is also an educational journey.
March 14, 2016
Good book!!!
Great read! Informative and educating. I've never heard of a lahar and from the sounds of it, I never want to see one or get caught up in it! Loved Chad and Francie , would also like to kick Kane in the shin. Lol. I'd recommend this book for anyone to read!
Great read! Informative and educating. I've never heard of a lahar and from the sounds of it, I never want to see one or get caught up in it! Loved Chad and Francie , would also like to kick Kane in the shin. Lol. I'd recommend this book for anyone to read!
June 9, 2020
The storyline was good. The information seemed to be well researched, which I liked, however I found the characters to be super flat. They did some different things, but there was nothing overly significant about them. I didn't really like or dislike them. They were just there.
August 30, 2017
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
November 5, 2024
While this has promise, it is a very flat novel. While a volcano does erupt, the book lacks the sort of scope and drama that makes a good disaster novel. The characters get bogged down in repetitive conversations or actions, there is little to no suspense, and the eruption kind of fizzles out. The characters are all given a single distinguishing characteristic (wants to be fire fighter/only cares about data/is a teen) and these are hammered home until they cease to make sense in the real world.
It's also possible that it is too well researched, to the point where the author forgets how little the reader will know. I've never heard the term "lahar" before but every character here seems to know it and use it casually. I have a lot of trouble believing that an old women in a small Oregon town would say "lahar" instead of "mudslide' no matter how much more accurate the term might be. It flattens the dialogue and makes it harder to differentiate people.
It's also possible that it is too well researched, to the point where the author forgets how little the reader will know. I've never heard the term "lahar" before but every character here seems to know it and use it casually. I have a lot of trouble believing that an old women in a small Oregon town would say "lahar" instead of "mudslide' no matter how much more accurate the term might be. It flattens the dialogue and makes it harder to differentiate people.
January 30, 2018
Erupt is the story of a Chinese family, a team of scientists, and a couple of hikers who's tales coincide during the eruption of Mr. Hood. Personally, I liked this story better than Turtledove's Supervolcano. The action kept moving, albeit sometimes a little slower. The characters were creative and more interesting than the typical disaster cast I was expecting. The story did lack a little something extra to really add to the story; but, I did like how he depicted the eruption itself and how he kept the story centered around it. Also, the parts with Chad, the fireman apprentice, were excellent; as were the depictions of the lahars running their destructive course down the mountain.
I'll definitely check out more of Cadle's work in the future.
I'll definitely check out more of Cadle's work in the future.
October 3, 2022
Absolutely fantastic!
I loved this book! It was fast paced and flowed seamlessly between the different characters. The action (and destruction) scenes were top notch. If you like disaster fiction, this is the book for you. I was so engrossed that I was surprised for a second that there was no ash outside since I live close to where this book took place. I’ll definitely be reading the others in this series.
I loved this book! It was fast paced and flowed seamlessly between the different characters. The action (and destruction) scenes were top notch. If you like disaster fiction, this is the book for you. I was so engrossed that I was surprised for a second that there was no ash outside since I live close to where this book took place. I’ll definitely be reading the others in this series.
January 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this! It wasn't perfect, but I thought the balance of scientific info, suspense, and characterization was nicely done. I enjoyed all the characters involved, as well, and I liked the pacing. I didn't finish the book feeling dissatisfied (something that did happen with another of Cadle's books), so it was good for me. :)
I'm currently working my way through his books, and this is my favorite so far.
I'm currently working my way through his books, and this is my favorite so far.
November 21, 2019
I have read all of the current Lou Cadle books with the exception of 41 Days and Beatriz. Erupt is probably my least favorite. I have no plans/intentions to read 41 Days and Beatriz. The conclusion for me at least is his post-apocalytic books are killer and must reads while 41 Days and Beatriz appear to be something else which is also the case for Erupt. Really glad I discovered his books.
January 8, 2020
Alright. I have to admit this review is biased as I'm a devoted fan of Lou Cadle. The novels are always very well written and well researched with a solid mix of tension, humor, and deep, tender insights into humanity. Without fail, I rush through every book, awaiting the final outcome while thoroughly engaging with the journey, only to wish I had more to read.
June 13, 2017
Since I enjoyed teaching earth science I really enjoyed this book and the differing view points of the events taking place. This authors survival stories always keep you turning the pages even when I wonder if survival needs more steps.
July 14, 2023
Informative and Interesting
The characters were unique and realistic with real life stories.
The description of the volcanoes process made it sound like a living thing.
I plan on reading the next book...
The characters were unique and realistic with real life stories.
The description of the volcanoes process made it sound like a living thing.
I plan on reading the next book...
February 24, 2024
Loved
I loved this book. How it kept me interested. Most of all, I loved how it explained what goes on in a volcano and what the different levels are. I love natural disasters, and I learned a lot from this book.
I loved this book. How it kept me interested. Most of all, I loved how it explained what goes on in a volcano and what the different levels are. I love natural disasters, and I learned a lot from this book.
November 20, 2025
This hit every note I was looking for in a natural disaster novel. Good volcanic action, people you wanted to root for, and death + destruction.
if you like disaster movies like Dante's Peak, then you will enjoy this.
if you like disaster movies like Dante's Peak, then you will enjoy this.
July 24, 2018
Wow,he blew up My. Hood!
Great read,I love it when authors blow up things I live by! Well written, nice subplots, lots of layers, ash, not much lava.
Great read,I love it when authors blow up things I live by! Well written, nice subplots, lots of layers, ash, not much lava.
April 2, 2019
This was a very exciting look into what could happen and what it would be like when Mt. Hood erupts.
March 16, 2021
This book was really good! I'd just finished a mediocre volcano eruption book when I saw this one and was so pleasantly surprised with this one. I'll definately read more by this author.
June 19, 2025
This book would be great for a younger reader. Was not really graphic or super high intensity. Good book for younger kids
April 2, 2019
I found this author by accident searching Amazon for new authors and loved Gray, her series, cover. Bought all of her books and have read 3 of them. This was the third book I read of hers and I must say I LOVE her writing style. You are brought into the story through great word building and believable characters. I love Lou Cadle books and am excited for the next in her Gray series. I say to those on the fence on any of her books, climb off the fence and grab them now. You won't regret it.
July 29, 2022
Great disaster read. My first natural disaster book beyond the scope of deadly viruses and the like. Well written, a page turner. Being a fan of all apocalyptic/natural disaster cinema, I was curious to see if the imagery would be as vivid. This book did not disappoint. Enjoyed the different POVS which were not so overwhelming as to be unable to decipher who was who. Loved that I came to despise a certain passionate character. I will definitely be reading her other books in my spare time!
February 10, 2016
This was a good story. Very interesting, if at times too technical.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews