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Ring of Fire St Helens: A Disaster Thriller

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It began with a rumble beneath the Pacific.
It will end with the Earth on Fire.
Mount St. Helens erupts without warning unleashing a VEI 6 explosion of ash, fire, and fury. It cripples the Pacific Northwest, choking cities, burying highways, and raining destruction upon the land. For the Mercer family, the eruption strikes terrifyingly close to home. Their sanctuary becomes a battleground as seismic chaos tears through the Columbia River Gorge.

But St. Helens is only the beginning. This is no longer a story about what's happened. It's a story about what's coming.

Ring of Fire is a natural disaster thriller series from international bestselling author, Bobby Akart, one of America's favorite storytellers, who has delivered up-all-night thrillers to over two million readers in 245 countries and territories worldwide.

From the Pacific Northwest to Japan to the islands of Indonesia, the planet’s deadliest volcanoes are waking. Ancient giants, long dormant, roar back to life in a domino effect triggered by the rare solar cycle known as the Grand Solar Minimum. Around the Pacific Rim, one volcano after another tears through the crust of the Earth. Infrastructure collapses. Communications fail. Governments panic. Countless lives destroyed

Ash will fall. Power will fail. Oceans will rise.
And the chain reaction has only just begun.

"Bobby Akart is a master at creating disaster scenarios.

The Ring of Fire, the world’s most volatile volcanic system encompassing the Pacific Rim, suddenly becomes unstable. The great tectonic plates have held the Pacific in a delicate balance for millennia shift with terrifying force triggering a cascade of catastrophic events.

As the Ring of Fire explodes, esteemed volcanologist, Duke Mercer, his family and the world, must confront a terrifying reality—this isn’t just one eruption. It’s a seismic reckoning. A planet pushed too far. A countdown to extinction.

Will the Earth survive its own fury?
Will humanity?

“Edge of your seat thrilling!”

This modern-day, fact-based novel will have you whispering just one more chapter until the end.

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2025

306 people are currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

Bobby Akart

100 books407 followers
International bestselling author, Bobby Akart, one of America's favorite storytellers, delivers up-all-night thrillers to readers in 245 countries and territories worldwide. He's achieved Amazon Top 5 Author status in both fiction and non-fiction genres, Amazon Kindle All Star and Top 50 Amazon Author (#35) and Top 25 Best Selling Book on Amazon Charts (Yellowstone #25).

"He's right up there with James Patterson, David Baldacci, Brad Thor and others that write thrillers. To me he actually surpasses them.”

He has written more than 80 novels in the disaster, survival, medical and political thriller genres.

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5 stars
422 (67%)
4 stars
136 (21%)
3 stars
46 (7%)
2 stars
12 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Matt Egan.
688 reviews12 followers
July 18, 2025
Nobody does disaster like Akart, who raises the bar for the genre with St. Hellens!

St. Hellens, book 2 in the Ring Of Fire series, picks up right where book 1 ended, with the Mercer family and CVO colleagues escaping one massive eruption and making it home. Then Mount St. Hellens, 30 miles from their home, erupts suddenly, putting everyone there in mortal danger. Meanwhile, Gabriel fights to prevent a meltdown at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant where he works and Beau is somewhere in the Pacific with his armed forces detachment. There is nothing like an Akart disaster novel. The narrative and descriptive skill makes this a book one experiences, not simply reads. Its incredibly vivid and visceral for the reader. No-one does this stuff like Akart. Taking the time to explain the actual scientific theory behind the events of the book, in addition to including contemporary news and scientific research that adds even more intensity to the masterful writing. Disaster books simply don't get much better than this. Book 1 set the bar high, and Akart still finds ways to push the envelope with St. Hellens. This is one if those books you'll still be thinking about long after you finish it. 5/5 stars, highly, highly recommended for fans of disaster survival thrillers, but that is far from the only demographic that will be enthralled by the book, the masterful writing will hook people who have never read a disaster thriller before. The wait for the next book will be excruciating, but like always Akart, the wait will be more than worth it!
Profile Image for Cathy.
38 reviews
September 24, 2025
I can not believe I did not rate Ring of Fire: St Helen’s. I noticed when I came to check out the next and last book in the series, Ring of Fire: Axial!! This book was riveting.
I do not understand how Bobby Akart can write in detail, the absolutely horrifying situations his characters are in and yet his words are stunningly beautiful. I felt as though I was going through the scary moments with them. This book, in the series, is one of my favorites. I am scared, though excited to see how it all ends, or begins? If you have not read any of his books please, do not waste another moment!
Author 3 books3 followers
July 20, 2025
Wow!

What an edge of your seat thriller. Just a few seconds to catch your breath then tugged right back into the action. My heart is racing. It was almost a relief to finish this book as the action was non stop. I'm almost glad I have to wait for book 3 as it will probably take a month for me to calm down. Great book!!
46 reviews
July 19, 2025
Hold on!! The World is Shaking and the Heat is Rising!!

I’ve never read a book when the constant action reminded me I’m not watching a movie I’m reading a book. A Book that I believe is the best Mr. Akart has painted!!
2 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2025
Yikes ..I'm as exhausted as

Reid and Gigi after swimming through tsunamis and lahars! 🤯😂. This family has a few too many superpowers. The writing and action are incredible-however, considering the seriousness of what may be our near future..I highly doubt any of us mere mortals could survive even a fraction of what even just 1 of them went through. Appreciate the Collab with some folks who I respect. But..it's OK to be more realistic. Millions, if not billions would lose their lives during this extinction level event. I AM curious though..how is "Dr Winston" doing in San Fran? 😂❤️
Profile Image for Michael  Keller.
943 reviews11 followers
July 31, 2025
Dr. Duke Mercer is gathering data from his home in Washougal, Wash. as the Ring of Fire explodes

The Mercer family, all respected scientists, are at ground zero for the freshly active Mount St. Helens from the family home on the shoulders of the volcano. Duke, wife Betsy and children Sloan and Reed with girlfriend Gigi Olson and a whole crew of Volcanologists gathering data on the rumbling slopes of the awakening volcano while son Graham Mercer and his wife and children, Kana, Ken and Emi, are gathered on the slopes of Mount Fuji in Japan. Graham works at the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Omaezaki, Japan. With other geologists and volcanologists employed at the plant reinforcing the safety measures and building an impressive seawall to prevent a tsunami from breaching the walls and starting another meltdown like the Fukushima disaster of 2011. Beau Mercer and wife Nina were in Indonesia under the shadow of Tambora, Toba and Krakatoa, the planets most destructive volcanic systems.

The Mercer family are actively warning the world of the dangers as the planet's most destructive volcanos warm up, ready to explode in violence endangering the whole world. The characters are amazing! The dangers are real! The author warns us all as the story highlights reality. The family portrays the struggles to survive in a world-threatening burst of natural violence. As I read the pages, I'm fighting along with the Mercer family, struggling along with the characters willing them to fight and survive. The light at the end of the tunnel is just a roar of magma in a lava tube! This is a great read!
Profile Image for Maria Fledgling Author  Park.
993 reviews52 followers
July 17, 2025
A String of Dangerous Natural Stuff

Ring of Fire St. Helens, Bobby Akart's newest thriller lives up to his reputation. From the Earth-shaking beginning through potential radioactive explosions to the temporary ending in a tropical paradise, it's hold on tight and keep the faith. Because when it comes to an Akart thriller, who knows if everyone will get out alive?

We left the Mercer clan after daughter Sloane succeeded Duke as the unofficial head of the CVO (Cascade Volcano Observatory). Duke's greatest regret was that he couldn't get headquarters to accept his Solar Minimum theory.

Your greatest regret is going to be not reading this book. So much hair-raising action happens back-to-back that you'll never get to take a deep breath. I am still in awe of the hundred ways a person can run into trouble during an earthquake, a volcanic eruption, and a tsunami, according to Bobby Akart.

All of these thrills and the story is still not finished. What has become of the Mercer clan that has been spread out over different disaster areas? Will Duke's Solar Minimum theory ever be considered seriously? Grab your copy of Ring of Fire St. Helens and find out.
Profile Image for ❄ Nina ❄ .
120 reviews
August 13, 2025
O_o
I don't think I've ever speed-read through any book as fast as I have this one...

While the first volume of the series was largely dedicated to the intricate world-building, both in terms of laying down the background science and fleshing out the characters, this second book plopped the reader straight into the action. And I mean it - smack-dab in the middle of it! The author's writing style is extremely visceral, the pace is absolutely full-throttle and the stakes couldn't possibly be higher, neither for the world at large, nor the Mercer family specifically. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and the sheer adrenaline rush from the pulse-pounding action had me sweating by the end.

I've always enjoyed disaster movies, but somehow that fascination has never carried over to my literary choices - until now. This is my first Akart encounter, but will most certainly not be my last. The tight narrative and his wildly descriptive skills made this so much more than just a read - it's a vivid experience.
Profile Image for Barry Jenkins.
348 reviews5 followers
July 19, 2025
Disappointed

I've read all of Akart's books and enjoyed most of them. His last series about nuclear war was the least liked .........until this series...
I've never heard of so many miracles since Jesus walked the earth 2000 years ago.........the probability of Reid and his girlfriend surviving all they experienced is probably about a kazillion to one. Not just them though, every one of the family miraculously escaped death, some many times.
There is also a lot of repetition in the book, repeating the same thing numerous times.
Never knew so many people cursed a much as all these characters in this book.
In spite of all this, and my low rating.....I still believe Akart is an excellent writer and I am more than impressed with all the knowledge he obtained to write this story.....and I will continue to read his books.
199 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2025
Ring of Fire starts with a an intense advanced PhD in volcanology. You earned your BS as a volcanologist in his early series "Yellowstone". This series has more twists, turns, up and downs than anything he's written before. You want to yell "Don't do that", Get out of there" and "run" on every page. If you get to some rare calming part of the book, that should be where you close the book and take time to relax with what ever means you have.

Getting into a comfortable position to continue reading this series is NOT possible! But what ever, hold tight as he will continue the ride on the old wooden rollercoaster of hell.

You will not be disappointed with this new series, although, you might be reconsidering several places to live or visit as you experience the horror of Mother Nature's wrath.

Outstanding series, Bobby.
Profile Image for Dawn'sReading ComeBackLater.
83 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2025
Book 2 of 3

I have enjoyed several other series and standalone books from this author. The plot in this book seems rushed and not fully edited. There were multiple grammatical and typo errors that I reported, which is not typical for the author. The plot followed the first book but often read as though it was a standalone - reiterating a character's job, title or a previous chapter. One can expect a short review at the beginning of the second book in a series but not one-third or halfway through. This was disappointing. I wish I could give 3.5 stars, but rounded up to 4 in hopes that my submissions within the Kindle app will turn into corrections. Fingers crossed.
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,974 reviews66 followers
December 7, 2025
Continues the good series and as was the case of book 1, the diagram/maps/science was good. I did have some issues with this book, though, starting with the unbelievably miraculous escapes of some of the characters (Reid/Gigi, Graham and family). Also too much angst by Duke from his perceived past mistakes...now is not the time, guy. Why did they settle in a place 30 miles from Mount St Helen's (a recent eruptor which is not far from Mount Hood and Mount Adams)? Why did they ignore Mount St Helen's as a possible danger? Why did they not have good gear like mask/respirators to not die from silica-ash? I do want to know what happens so will continue.
204 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2025
The Ring of Fire is alive

Bobby Akart delivers an end of the world thriller with Mt. St. Helens leading the way.

The Mercer family home becomes a forward base to track the destruction. While in Japan, Graham is trying to keep the nuclear rods from burning and releasing radiation as Mt. Fujitsu erupts.

As I read the book, the strength of the Mercer family is real. The ash, the heat, and the sounds surround you, as if you're struggling to survive. Is it truly the end? The saga continues.

The book is exciting, and I couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,749 reviews12 followers
July 18, 2025
Breathtaking excitement throughout and the Mercer family are at the core. Volcanoes blowing at a fierceness nobody has ever seen in their life time extending from Washington State to Fuji. There is no way to stop it, but Drs Mercer are the only ones with the expertise to predict when and where events will happen so people can be alerted. The problem is, they are smack dab in the middle of the carnage. Fans of Bobby Akart will not be surprised to find this book outstanding!
41 reviews
July 18, 2025
Unreal yet horribly believable!

I'm really impressed with the way this story is unfolding. Because even though forces beyond their control are battering them, this family won't give up. It makes you think how strong the quality of love really is. When any logical mind would just give up already, the desire to reunite with loved ones and the protective instinct of loving parents prevails. Love this Bobby!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Lian.
78 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2025
Wow!

Oh my goodness! It's now 5:50am, and I just finished part 2. I've been reading this book for the past 5 hours. I couldn't stop! Mr. Smart has written so many books, but this one? He has really upped his game. This part 2, is the Best darned book in his career! I am telling you, it truly is, I cannot bear to wait for his # 3 & 4 books! You need to read this part 2 ( of course read # 1 first 😃) to be transported to Bobby Akarts' world! Enjoy, Liz f\South Jersey, USA
Profile Image for Joan.
1,151 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2025
Once again Mount St. Helens erupts without warning and most of the Mercer family along with their friends/co-workers are now in the fight for of their lives to survive. Meanwhile Graham Mercer and his family in Japan are also in extreme danger while Beau Mercer is scrambling to find out how his family are doing and helping them if possible. Will they all survive and how many innocent lives will be lost in these horrifying events?
57 reviews
July 17, 2025
Exciting, but....

Too many improbables. The plane flying into Japan, that close to Fuji? CNN still available in San Francisco? The Golden Gate Bridge still standing after all the earthquakes? So many last second rescues stretches belief. As long as these people Had been breathing ash, their lungs would have crashed already. just too unrealistic.
Profile Image for Kenneth Pugh.
23 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2025
Another killer is loose

Bobby Akart is my favorite author these days, but I wish I had read slower. I finished this in 1 day, and yes, it was that good. I read something every day, and though I wish it was my Bible, usually it is something more like Mr. Akarts books. Keep typing. I'm not tired yet, and finally, thank you for your work.
Profile Image for Judith C Ward.
2 reviews
July 25, 2025
Exceptional.. as always

Bobby Akart always delivers an exceptional, un-put-downable read. I find myself trying to pace my reading, because I know I'll have to wait for the next book, an impossible task. Look forward to edge of your seat emotions, and a few tears, last minute, halting celebrations as you become a part of the characters lives and struggles.
1 review
July 29, 2025
Impossible to put down

I have read many Bobby Akart books and they are impossible to put down. I love the science behind the story, fascinating and potentially real events that grab the reader. Engaging characters that tie the chapters together. I can t wait to read the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Bobirley Adams.
160 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2025
MUST READ! It had my Imagination soaring HIGH!

This book was even better than the first and that says a LOT! CONVERSATION made me feel as if I was there - each person described fekt alive - my imagination is strong 3D and colorful but this took me to new heights! And the best part is the story line felt real! This book DEFINITELY is a MUST READ BOOK!
5 reviews
September 15, 2025
Although not quite as good as the first (a bit more predictable and repetitive), nonetheless, still an enjoyable experience, and a difficult story to put down. Very much enjoying this series, and looking forward to book three. As a person involved in a relevant field, it has been interesting to see the author’s take on how a situation like this would play out.
1,155 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2025
Mercer Family

Terrifying events as The Ring Of Fire comes to life. Graham and his family in Japan, Beau and Nina in Indonesia, Duke, Betsy, Reid, Gigi and Sloan still in The Pacific Northwest, will this family make it through the disasters? Read this second book in the series and see just how and what The Mercer Family is facing. Avery informative and thrilling read.
Profile Image for Marc Harris.
148 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2025
Another 5 star disaster read. Chaos in Washington and Japan as both St Helens and Fuji cause terror for the world. This is a 4 part series but these books read just so smoothly. The main characters still have major plot armor and can seem to survive anything but you still feel the fear as you are with them in those moments
10 reviews
July 21, 2025
A great read. A lot of information about the Pacific rim. Good story and character development. This book is as good and interesting as the previous books of his I have read. I'm looking forward to his next book next month.
12 reviews
July 22, 2025
Slow start but hold onto your seat because the ride is bumpy! The Ring of Fire is hard to put down as you "go with the flow" of the story. Wow! I held my breath more than once. It's a great read. Keep it coming!
3 reviews
July 26, 2025
Intense read

Mr. Akart has a way of grabbing your attention and keeping it. The real world headlines make you want to know more. You are on the edge of your seat when reading and hoping that the characters survive everything thrown at them.
30 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2025
another excellent series

Another excellent terrifying story from Bobby Akart. The volcanos are erupting and I can’t wait to find out what happens. I just want the Mercer Family to survive. Please write the next book faster.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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