The Storm Prophet

by Hector Macdonald

The Sydney Hobart yacht race is world the crowds at the Boxing Day start; the Harbour full of colour; giant super-maxis competing for line honours and glory. But in the wrong weather, it can be deadly. No one will ever forget the carnage of 1998. This year, Kirsten McKenzie must win. The bank she's inherited is in trouble, and desperately needs the PR boost of a race victory. Everyone thinks she'll do it - she's got the fastest boat and the best record. Everyone, that is, except a boy called Moses who claims to be able to see the future. He doesn't foresee victory. He sees a storm, mountains of water. He sees a disaster. Petra Woods is Director of the Sydney New Coastguard. She doesn't want to believe Moses's warning, but as the race draws closer and his other predictions start coming true, she might not have a choice. The only option may be to plunge in between the perfect race and the perfect storm. The Storm Prophet is a truly gripping thriller about a vision, a race and the merciless power of the sea.

Genres: Thriller

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Storm Prophet. The lead character is strong, sometimes blunt and calls things as she sees them - very refreshing. This is reflected quite well in the writing style of the book and I liked that. Sometime you just need something... less flowery.
As someone that is not superstitious, I become a little wary of novels based on prophecy, ghosts and other supernatural themes, but this novel strode perfectly between befief and disbelief without offending either group, in my view, and being pretty realistic.
Great action scenes that you won't want to miss and an ending I won't forget. I would recommend The Storm Prophet to anyone that likes to explore a little mystery, danger and especially if you love the ocean.

[Peter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Way too slow and boring. DNF.

[Deborah Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storm Prophet transported me back to my childhood in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney and visits to the CYC as a child. My father sailed the Sydney Hobart several times, and was navigator on the winning boat Morna, in the early years of the race. Watching the race begin with my Dad was one of the best memories I have of Boxing Days on Sydney Harbour.

Having lived in the US for many years, this was a nostalgic read, but it was much more than that. It was also a suspenseful, beautifully written thriller, with a strong, female lead and it captivated me from beginning to end. I know this was an Australian author writing an Australian-centric story, but I still find it difficult to believe that more readers in the U.S. haven't discovered, and loved it. It has universal appeal for anyone who loves thrillers. My only disappointment is that there are no more Petra Woods books to enjoy.

[Steven Lohuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goed boek. Onverwachte plotwendingen. Hoofdthema: De allom bekende en altijd op de loer liggende self fulfilling prophecy.

[Mike.q · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was actually pretty boring