What do you think?
Rate this book
Jed Patrick #1
Centralia
Peter Ryan wakes up on a typical morning only to find his house empty, his wife and daughter nowhere to be found. His world is shattered after a phone call to a friend confirms the impossible: his wife and daughter died in a car accident he does not remember. Haunted by faint memories and flashes of details, Peter becomes convinced that something isn’t right and begins to question reality. When he discovers a note in his daughter’s handwriting, strange memories begin to surface that cause him to second-guess nearly everything he once believed. Suddenly armed men show up at Peter’s home, turning the mysterious puzzle of his past into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. On the run and unsure whom to trust, Peter has to discover what’s real and what isn’t . . . before he loses everything.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2015
30 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Mike Dellosso
29 books189 followersMike Dellosso is the author of numerous novels of suspense, including Kill Devil, Centralia, Darkness Follows, Darlington Woods, and Scream. Mike is a popular conference and workshop teacher and an adjunct professor of creative writing. He lives in Hanover, PA, with his wife and five daughters. Mike is also a healthcare worker and survivor of colon cancer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
December 6, 2015
Dear Sir. Dellosso:
Where have you been all my life?
Man-oh-man! I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
Every time I went to my recommendations on Goodreads and Amazon, Mike Dellosso's name came out, and I always knew I had to read one of his books and I supposed I could like them... However, I didn't know how much!
This book is so perfect that I'm fangirling right now. Anyway, the thing is that I'm so excited because I think I've found a new fav author!
-I recieved a book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest opinion but this fact didn't influence the review-
Where have you been all my life?
Man-oh-man! I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
Every time I went to my recommendations on Goodreads and Amazon, Mike Dellosso's name came out, and I always knew I had to read one of his books and I supposed I could like them... However, I didn't know how much!
This book is so perfect that I'm fangirling right now. Anyway, the thing is that I'm so excited because I think I've found a new fav author!
-I recieved a book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest opinion but this fact didn't influence the review-
August 22, 2015
Centralia is Christianized version of a Jason Bourne story: a super-skilled secret agent has his memory erased by his handlers, but as memories emerge, he struggles to find his true identity.
The writing and plot were somewhat enjoyable, but unremarkable. It does hold fast to the tagline "Things are not what they seem."
My main impression after reading Centralia was how ridiculous the secret base was. This base serves a central role in the plot, yet it was poorly thought out. This supposed secret base had no scheme to conceal the comings and goings of its personnel, no rings of security outside of its walls, and huge gaps in its internal operational security. The base is situated in a hostile environment (which I won't describe to avoid spoilers) yet the book is silent as to how the base can possibly survive in that environment.
There are a few mentions of "God" and "faith" and "prayer." This Christian content isn't convincing enough to win unbelievers and isn't deep enough to edify believers. It seems only to exist to brand the novel as "Christian fiction."
Bottom line: This was my first book by Mike Dellosso, and it will be my last.
The writing and plot were somewhat enjoyable, but unremarkable. It does hold fast to the tagline "Things are not what they seem."
My main impression after reading Centralia was how ridiculous the secret base was. This base serves a central role in the plot, yet it was poorly thought out. This supposed secret base had no scheme to conceal the comings and goings of its personnel, no rings of security outside of its walls, and huge gaps in its internal operational security. The base is situated in a hostile environment (which I won't describe to avoid spoilers) yet the book is silent as to how the base can possibly survive in that environment.
There are a few mentions of "God" and "faith" and "prayer." This Christian content isn't convincing enough to win unbelievers and isn't deep enough to edify believers. It seems only to exist to brand the novel as "Christian fiction."
Bottom line: This was my first book by Mike Dellosso, and it will be my last.
July 12, 2017
Centralia was a bit of a disappointment. I had super high expectations for the book going in, and yet when reading it, it was just way too confusing. I didn't know what was real, who to believe, or really what was even going on until the last little bit. It was a struggle to stay interested when you don't know what's true...at least it was that way for me.
I did overall like the book, though, just wish it would have been a bit more clear. I plan on reading the next book.
I did overall like the book, though, just wish it would have been a bit more clear. I plan on reading the next book.
November 8, 2015
RESEÑA COMPLETA EN ESPAÑOL
WARNING: This book is not for cardiac people
Mike Dellosso is one of those authors that I always wanted to read, but for one reason or other, until now I hadn’t read any of his books... And now I regret not having done so.
This book is AMAZING in the every sense of the word.
I love thrillers, but definitely, this is one had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to finish the book and wanting to know how this chaos would be solved.
The story has SO MANY twists in the plot, and at one point I got lost in fiction and I couldn’t distinguish reality. There is a lot of adrenaline on each page and each chapter ends with a shocking scene so, that you can’t even blink. Also, there are many deeply messages that reach the conscience and the heart.
As for the characters, I think they are very well structured and I especially liked the protagonist. I think that despite everything that happens to him, he knew how to stay calm and he sought the truth at all costs, which made him a hero without knowing.
As I said before, this novel is not for cardiac people because it’s impossible to draw the look of this book, and if you consider yourself a lover of a good suspense, then give a chance to Centralia.
I take my hat off to this author, for his novel has a good plot, great pace, great message and unforgettable characters.
-I recieved an eBook from Tyndale Blog Network but this fact didn't influence the review-
June 3, 2015
Guided……
Peter Ryan was guided by his soul and the love for his family.
Though they tried to change his life, he kept going.
A nightmarish ride to find the truth he already knew.
His belief in God was deep seated and came to surface and saved him.
Centralia is another exciting book from Mike Dellosso. Best of all, this is a very good story with believable characters. Please be sure you want to be grabbed before picking up this book, it will take you on a journey. For those who may have not read any of Mike’s books before, after reading this one you will certainly want to read the rest. I highly recommend this book to all. And yes, I believe this is his best book yet. You will too.
Peter Ryan was guided by his soul and the love for his family.
Though they tried to change his life, he kept going.
A nightmarish ride to find the truth he already knew.
His belief in God was deep seated and came to surface and saved him.
Centralia is another exciting book from Mike Dellosso. Best of all, this is a very good story with believable characters. Please be sure you want to be grabbed before picking up this book, it will take you on a journey. For those who may have not read any of Mike’s books before, after reading this one you will certainly want to read the rest. I highly recommend this book to all. And yes, I believe this is his best book yet. You will too.
January 20, 2018
"Things aren't what they seem. They aren't what you think."
Plagued by reoccurring nightmares that lead him down a hallway towards a locked door, Peter Ryan is frantic to remember what happened to his wife and daughter. Nearly losing his life in a home invasion, from what appeared to be a highly trained commando unit, he goes on the run for his life. But not before retrieving what appears to be a message from his daughter, "Daddy, we went to Centralia".
This high energy psychological thriller takes its readers on a journey through numerous unpredictable scenarios, with far more questions than answers, and many more enemies than friends. Sustained by fragments of his faith, Peter relies on the one person who has never failed him, and who inevitably holds the key to the locked door.
Plagued by reoccurring nightmares that lead him down a hallway towards a locked door, Peter Ryan is frantic to remember what happened to his wife and daughter. Nearly losing his life in a home invasion, from what appeared to be a highly trained commando unit, he goes on the run for his life. But not before retrieving what appears to be a message from his daughter, "Daddy, we went to Centralia".
This high energy psychological thriller takes its readers on a journey through numerous unpredictable scenarios, with far more questions than answers, and many more enemies than friends. Sustained by fragments of his faith, Peter relies on the one person who has never failed him, and who inevitably holds the key to the locked door.
April 29, 2016
A good psychological thriller that keeps you guessing what is true and what isn't! It's like trying to find your way through a maze of mind-bending paths.
February 27, 2024
My first by this author. Hmmm.... Kinda hard to explain. I liked the book, lots and lots of twist and turns.
Peter Ryan is the main character he makes up one morning to a empty house, his wife and daughter are no where to be found. He calls a friend to ask if they had any idea where his wife Karen is or his Daughter Lilly is. His world is shattered when he is asked what is wrong with him, then he is told his wife and daughter were killed in a car accident. He knows this can not be, can it?
He has haunting flashback memories. He feels something is not right. He has to find his family right?, or did they really die he remembers crying at a funeral. Then he finds a letter in his daughter's handwriting, his memories make him second guess everything he once believed.
Suddenly armed gunmen show up at his house and the game of car and mouse begins.
" Things are never what they seem", he feels like he has fallen in the rabbit hole with Alice.
Peter Ryan is the main character he makes up one morning to a empty house, his wife and daughter are no where to be found. He calls a friend to ask if they had any idea where his wife Karen is or his Daughter Lilly is. His world is shattered when he is asked what is wrong with him, then he is told his wife and daughter were killed in a car accident. He knows this can not be, can it?
He has haunting flashback memories. He feels something is not right. He has to find his family right?, or did they really die he remembers crying at a funeral. Then he finds a letter in his daughter's handwriting, his memories make him second guess everything he once believed.
Suddenly armed gunmen show up at his house and the game of car and mouse begins.
" Things are never what they seem", he feels like he has fallen in the rabbit hole with Alice.
February 21, 2023
2.5 stars
I think I would have liked this a bit better has their not been so much religion and god in this. Ugh.
Also the story was all over the place it went back and forth and back and forth for no reason and in the end literally nothing was accomplished.
I thought this was gonna be a really cool concept but it fell flat for me.
I think I would have liked this a bit better has their not been so much religion and god in this. Ugh.
Also the story was all over the place it went back and forth and back and forth for no reason and in the end literally nothing was accomplished.
I thought this was gonna be a really cool concept but it fell flat for me.
Read
February 22, 2020Interesting.
May 30, 2015
Reading Centralia is like being whisked away by a monster roller coaster and not being able to get off! The ride is amazing, fast and never lets up, all the way to the end of the book!
"Peter Ryan wakes up on a typical morning only to find his house empty, his wife and daughter nowhere to be found. His world is shattered after a phone call to a friends confirms the impossible: his wife and daughter died in a car accident he doesn't remember.
Haunted by faint memories and flashes of details, Peter becomes convinced that something isn't right and begins to question reality. When he discovers a note in his daughter's handwriting, strange memories begin to surface that cause him to second guess nearly everything he once believed. Suddenly armed men show up at Peter's home, turning the mysterious puzzle of his past into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
On the run and unsure whom to trust, Peter has to discover what's real and what isn't.....before he loses everything."
That synopsis alone should be enough to convince you that you must read this book. But in case it doesn't, here's what I have to say: This book is absolutely amazing. Mike Dellosso hits the ground running with this one and the action does not let up one bit throughout the book! Never once. The action and adventure and yes, danger, swirl around the reader pulling you into a vortex of excitement that threatens to consume you until the book is finished.
Peter is constantly surprised at everything happening around him because nothing, absolutely NOTHING, is what it seems. How in the world is Peter supposed to find out what is happening when there's no rhyme or reason to anything at all!
Centralia is Mike Dellosso's 8th book and I've read every single one and they are terrific. If you enjoy Christian suspense, you MUST get this book. Don't waste anytime grabbing it. But be warned: everything around you must wait until you finish because you will NOT want to put it down!
*I was provided a free copy of the book by the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
"Peter Ryan wakes up on a typical morning only to find his house empty, his wife and daughter nowhere to be found. His world is shattered after a phone call to a friends confirms the impossible: his wife and daughter died in a car accident he doesn't remember.
Haunted by faint memories and flashes of details, Peter becomes convinced that something isn't right and begins to question reality. When he discovers a note in his daughter's handwriting, strange memories begin to surface that cause him to second guess nearly everything he once believed. Suddenly armed men show up at Peter's home, turning the mysterious puzzle of his past into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
On the run and unsure whom to trust, Peter has to discover what's real and what isn't.....before he loses everything."
That synopsis alone should be enough to convince you that you must read this book. But in case it doesn't, here's what I have to say: This book is absolutely amazing. Mike Dellosso hits the ground running with this one and the action does not let up one bit throughout the book! Never once. The action and adventure and yes, danger, swirl around the reader pulling you into a vortex of excitement that threatens to consume you until the book is finished.
Peter is constantly surprised at everything happening around him because nothing, absolutely NOTHING, is what it seems. How in the world is Peter supposed to find out what is happening when there's no rhyme or reason to anything at all!
Centralia is Mike Dellosso's 8th book and I've read every single one and they are terrific. If you enjoy Christian suspense, you MUST get this book. Don't waste anytime grabbing it. But be warned: everything around you must wait until you finish because you will NOT want to put it down!
*I was provided a free copy of the book by the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
November 25, 2015
I always know when I begin a Dellosso book I am in for a wild ride. This novel started off with a shock and just kept going.
Peter Ryan wakes up to an empty house. His wife and daughter are gone. He calls a friend only to be told they had been killed in an automobile accident. Didn't he remember? But Peter is haunted by faint memories and a sense that something is very wrong. He finds a hidden note in his daughter's handwriting that she and her mom have gone to Centralia. Then thugs show up at his house and Peter displays defensive skills he didn't know he had.
That is the beginning of a suspenseful plot where the action just keeps going. We follow Peter as he tries to escape those after him while he also tries to unravel who he is. He's supposed to work in a research lab. So how does he know armed combat techniques? Why is he a crack shot?
This is a good novel of what might be when the military wants to develop super warriors. It's a scary yet very possible world of training and mental manipulation.
It also gave me much to think about regarding memories and the past. One of the characters says, “What is your past other than a series of memories?” (258) Do we create a new past by what we remember? Can others change it for us by planting memories in our head? Do we believe lies about our past? Do we pay more attention to what our brain is telling us or what our heart is saying? And where does God fit into all of this?
I recommend this book to those who love action packed novels that make you think. Your mind will be swirling with what might be Peter's real past. The action was a bit repetitive and one of the escapes might have been just a little too easy and unexplained, but in general, this is a good novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
Peter Ryan wakes up to an empty house. His wife and daughter are gone. He calls a friend only to be told they had been killed in an automobile accident. Didn't he remember? But Peter is haunted by faint memories and a sense that something is very wrong. He finds a hidden note in his daughter's handwriting that she and her mom have gone to Centralia. Then thugs show up at his house and Peter displays defensive skills he didn't know he had.
That is the beginning of a suspenseful plot where the action just keeps going. We follow Peter as he tries to escape those after him while he also tries to unravel who he is. He's supposed to work in a research lab. So how does he know armed combat techniques? Why is he a crack shot?
This is a good novel of what might be when the military wants to develop super warriors. It's a scary yet very possible world of training and mental manipulation.
It also gave me much to think about regarding memories and the past. One of the characters says, “What is your past other than a series of memories?” (258) Do we create a new past by what we remember? Can others change it for us by planting memories in our head? Do we believe lies about our past? Do we pay more attention to what our brain is telling us or what our heart is saying? And where does God fit into all of this?
I recommend this book to those who love action packed novels that make you think. Your mind will be swirling with what might be Peter's real past. The action was a bit repetitive and one of the escapes might have been just a little too easy and unexplained, but in general, this is a good novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
August 2, 2015
Peter Ryan is the perfect soldier. A lethal shot, a master at hand-to-hand combat and a sixth sense for anticipating danger, he is not to be messed with. Unfortunately, these skills are as much of a surprise to him as they are to some of the people chasing him. How did he become such a lethal weapon? And where are his wife and daughter? Does he have a wife and daughter? Who is Peter Ryan? And why are the Government chasing him?
Intriguing, suspenseful and absolutely full of surprises Centralia grabs you on the first page and doesn't let up. A story that is seemingly so far-fetched becomes increasingly believable which reflects Dellosso's skill as a master story-teller. Dellosso keeps us glued to the page as, just like, Peter Ryan, we want to know the answers to all these questions. He's given clues but most of those simply lead to even more questions.
And the antagonists? Are they all wanting him dead? Or are they actually the good guys and Ryan's the bad guy?
Dellosso just keeps us guessing. It reminded me in part of the Jason Bourne movies (I haven't read the novels) so if you enjoyed those then I'd recommend you grab a cop of Centralia.
The novel also has a good faith storyline. Ryan is intrigued by the Bible that continues to reappear. Why? It is something he's spent a lot of time reading? Can God help him solve all these riddles? He keeps recalling/dreaming his daughter encouraging him to "have faith, daddy." Ryan learns to recognise that responding by faith requires a degree of surrender even when there is pain and hardship involved. A great message for all of us to remember.
It's wrapped up well and it's a fantastic way to start a series. Interesting to see where Dellosso takes the next story.
Intriguing, suspenseful and absolutely full of surprises Centralia grabs you on the first page and doesn't let up. A story that is seemingly so far-fetched becomes increasingly believable which reflects Dellosso's skill as a master story-teller. Dellosso keeps us glued to the page as, just like, Peter Ryan, we want to know the answers to all these questions. He's given clues but most of those simply lead to even more questions.
And the antagonists? Are they all wanting him dead? Or are they actually the good guys and Ryan's the bad guy?
Dellosso just keeps us guessing. It reminded me in part of the Jason Bourne movies (I haven't read the novels) so if you enjoyed those then I'd recommend you grab a cop of Centralia.
The novel also has a good faith storyline. Ryan is intrigued by the Bible that continues to reappear. Why? It is something he's spent a lot of time reading? Can God help him solve all these riddles? He keeps recalling/dreaming his daughter encouraging him to "have faith, daddy." Ryan learns to recognise that responding by faith requires a degree of surrender even when there is pain and hardship involved. A great message for all of us to remember.
It's wrapped up well and it's a fantastic way to start a series. Interesting to see where Dellosso takes the next story.
June 9, 2015
When I started reading this novel, I had to convince myself that I was indeed reading a Dellosso novel. It did not feel like I was. All I can say is that if this is a Dellosso novel then he must have gone from great to excellent since his last novel, Fearless (2013). Dellosso seems to have developed his expertise further and taken this to the next level. This is one very well crafted novel.
I know there are some very cliche terms/phrases in book reviewing. "Hitting the ground running" is one of those and I use this to not be cliche-ish at all, but to state how it is with this novel. It continues all the way throughout as well. And while the reader is panting from trying to keep up with the pace, they have to cope with the many plot twists and turns, and try to decipher and interpret many lies and deceit, half truths and distortions of the truth from everyone he comes in contact with.
Just when you think you are getting to know Peter Ryan and what makes him tick, Dellosso reveals yet another aspect of Peter's personality, training or mysterious background. Dellosso successfully muddies the waters in every chapter in this way. I spent nearly 90% of this novel wondering who this main protagonist really is, I even wondered at one stage if he was the antagonist instead! Such is the complex structure of the plot that Dellosso weaves and the reader had better be careful to not get too entangled in it!
To read more:
http://christianfictionreviewguru.blo...
I know there are some very cliche terms/phrases in book reviewing. "Hitting the ground running" is one of those and I use this to not be cliche-ish at all, but to state how it is with this novel. It continues all the way throughout as well. And while the reader is panting from trying to keep up with the pace, they have to cope with the many plot twists and turns, and try to decipher and interpret many lies and deceit, half truths and distortions of the truth from everyone he comes in contact with.
Just when you think you are getting to know Peter Ryan and what makes him tick, Dellosso reveals yet another aspect of Peter's personality, training or mysterious background. Dellosso successfully muddies the waters in every chapter in this way. I spent nearly 90% of this novel wondering who this main protagonist really is, I even wondered at one stage if he was the antagonist instead! Such is the complex structure of the plot that Dellosso weaves and the reader had better be careful to not get too entangled in it!
To read more:
http://christianfictionreviewguru.blo...
June 25, 2015
Centralia by Mike Dellosso is one of my favorite books of the year. It only took me two days to read and that’s fast for me. Centralia is a thrilling book full of suspense. You never know what will happen next. Each chapter, almost every page has something new happening. If you like to guess what will happen next in a book you will never be able to in Centralia.
Centralia is a real place. Centralia is a borough and a near-ghost town in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, United States. Its population has dwindled from over 1,000 residents in 1981 to 10 in 2010 as a result of the Centralia mine fire that has been burning beneath the borough since 1962. Centralia is the least-populated municipality in Pennsylvania.
In the novel Peter doesn’t believe his wife and daughter are dead and then he finds a message from his daughter in the back tank of the toilet. So the search begins, but there are so many things that happen that you will be on the edge of your seat.
This is an amazing book and you will love it. You won’t believe the things that happen. I highly recommend Centralia and know you will love it. Fantastic job Mike Dellosso.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Centralia is a real place. Centralia is a borough and a near-ghost town in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, United States. Its population has dwindled from over 1,000 residents in 1981 to 10 in 2010 as a result of the Centralia mine fire that has been burning beneath the borough since 1962. Centralia is the least-populated municipality in Pennsylvania.
In the novel Peter doesn’t believe his wife and daughter are dead and then he finds a message from his daughter in the back tank of the toilet. So the search begins, but there are so many things that happen that you will be on the edge of your seat.
This is an amazing book and you will love it. You won’t believe the things that happen. I highly recommend Centralia and know you will love it. Fantastic job Mike Dellosso.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
October 8, 2021
I had read the author's book The Hunted first and loved it. This one, not so much. I am not sure why; it felt like a hodge-podge of something thrown together into a stewpot in hopes something would turn out at the end. It has a lot of action in it. I was never quite sure what was going on over the course of the book. There were some plot lines that were left dangling which was annoying. On the plus side, it did hold my interest enough for me to want to finish it. On the downside, it felt like the author was either trying to blend different genres from a Christian perspective and it did not work or I just didn't "get it."
For me, the pacing felt really choppy to the point of taking away from the story. I suppose some of that "choppiness" could stem from the author trying to describe things from the perspective of a man who has lost his memory and is getting different signals in his brain? If that was the intent, then the author did a good job. I just felt like I was waiting for a while for the story to finally "get somewhere" and the journey was not as fun as I hoped it would be. Still, though, I enjoyed it enough to finish it.
Centralia the own was interesting. I looked it up online .
The blending of Christianity into the story was so-so for me. Others have done it better, but then again, I do not know if Jed was supposed to be a Christian let alone a strong Christian. In any case, his faith slowly grows and strengthens over the course of the novel, which is fine. Baby steps and all that. There are also moments where the author shines in generating suspense through his descriptions. Sadly, he is not able to maintain this over the course of the entire book. I know I have read other books in which the hero is trying to recover his memory; this book is probably in the lower half of that spectrum of books.
If I have any more thoughts, I'll come back to it. Otherwise, I would probably rate this 2.5 stars rounded down to 2 stars. I did not like it enough to rate it 3 stars, but it's still better than 2 stars. In any case, I am grateful to have read this book.
For me, the pacing felt really choppy to the point of taking away from the story. I suppose some of that "choppiness" could stem from the author trying to describe things from the perspective of a man who has lost his memory and is getting different signals in his brain? If that was the intent, then the author did a good job. I just felt like I was waiting for a while for the story to finally "get somewhere" and the journey was not as fun as I hoped it would be. Still, though, I enjoyed it enough to finish it.
Centralia the own was interesting. I looked it up online .
The blending of Christianity into the story was so-so for me. Others have done it better, but then again, I do not know if Jed was supposed to be a Christian let alone a strong Christian. In any case, his faith slowly grows and strengthens over the course of the novel, which is fine. Baby steps and all that. There are also moments where the author shines in generating suspense through his descriptions. Sadly, he is not able to maintain this over the course of the entire book. I know I have read other books in which the hero is trying to recover his memory; this book is probably in the lower half of that spectrum of books.
If I have any more thoughts, I'll come back to it. Otherwise, I would probably rate this 2.5 stars rounded down to 2 stars. I did not like it enough to rate it 3 stars, but it's still better than 2 stars. In any case, I am grateful to have read this book.
May 21, 2015
The premise is intriguing, but the way the tale is told is quite confusing. It’s difficult to follow the chain of events because things are never as they seem. In a thriller, this is expected, but readers also expect some occasional true revelations. Yet for those who like a great adventure, this story will fit the bill perfectly.
Peter Ryan wakes up and finds his wife and daughter missing. When he calls around trying to find them, he is told that they died in an accident, of which he has no recollection. Peter begins to remember bits and pieces, but also does not believe that they are truly dead. When it becomes clear that someone is out to harm him in order to keep him quiet, Peter begins to investigate what happened and gets caught in a chase with far-reaching consequences. (TYNDALE, Jun., 400 pp., $14.99)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
Peter Ryan wakes up and finds his wife and daughter missing. When he calls around trying to find them, he is told that they died in an accident, of which he has no recollection. Peter begins to remember bits and pieces, but also does not believe that they are truly dead. When it becomes clear that someone is out to harm him in order to keep him quiet, Peter begins to investigate what happened and gets caught in a chase with far-reaching consequences. (TYNDALE, Jun., 400 pp., $14.99)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
March 21, 2016
Great book lots of surprises keeps you guessing until the end. I definitely recommend this book.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.
February 7, 2021
Characters: Peter was a relatable main character. His desire to find and protect his family and his confusion over his past were well-written and nicely developed.
Language: Clean.
Moral: The main moral was that God never leaves a Christian. Even though Peter had memory problems and basically forgot God, God never forgot him. The author also included another moral that revolved around trusting God and surrendering to His plans.
Plot: I loved the fast pace of this plot! I didn't have time to get bored. I did have some moral problems with all the cars Peter stole and how he threatened a teenager. They weren't presented as good choices really, but they could've been shown in a more negative light. If that makes any sense ... :) Also, this book contained a lot of death and violence. None of it was overly described, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to young teenagers.
Romance: Clean. Just one kiss, I think. Peter was already married, and he wasn't around his wife for most of the book. I appreciate that this book didn't have a strong thread of romance. :)
Writing: The writing was pretty good! Of course, I can always complain about things. Here comes the editing brain. :) The metaphors ... I haven't read a book with so many metaphors in a long time, and I got kind of sick of them. A few add to the story. Too many get on my nerves. Also, I felt like the author sometimes reverted to summary mode. For example, when Peter was trapped in prison for an unknown length of time, I would've rather read a couple scenes at specific points in time instead of a summary of all the days.
Overall: I enjoyed reading this fast-paced book and would recommend it to readers of Christian fiction and suspense.
Language: Clean.
Moral: The main moral was that God never leaves a Christian. Even though Peter had memory problems and basically forgot God, God never forgot him. The author also included another moral that revolved around trusting God and surrendering to His plans.
Plot: I loved the fast pace of this plot! I didn't have time to get bored. I did have some moral problems with all the cars Peter stole and how he threatened a teenager. They weren't presented as good choices really, but they could've been shown in a more negative light. If that makes any sense ... :) Also, this book contained a lot of death and violence. None of it was overly described, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to young teenagers.
Romance: Clean. Just one kiss, I think. Peter was already married, and he wasn't around his wife for most of the book. I appreciate that this book didn't have a strong thread of romance. :)
Writing: The writing was pretty good! Of course, I can always complain about things. Here comes the editing brain. :) The metaphors ... I haven't read a book with so many metaphors in a long time, and I got kind of sick of them. A few add to the story. Too many get on my nerves. Also, I felt like the author sometimes reverted to summary mode. For example, when Peter was trapped in prison for an unknown length of time, I would've rather read a couple scenes at specific points in time instead of a summary of all the days.
Overall: I enjoyed reading this fast-paced book and would recommend it to readers of Christian fiction and suspense.
March 1, 2023
Oh, boy. Where to start.
Lack of Originality: this is literally a lightly Christianized Jason Bourne knock-off
Awful Structuring: I admit, after about 100 pgs in, I began skimming and skipped some sections. Why? Because the structuring was like whiplash. One chapter: this is the truth, Peter! The next chapter: no, this is the truth, Peter! There was no tension or time for discovery. Just whiplash.
Unconvincing Characters:
- ah, yes, the cliche bad guy with the scar on his face.
- The main character who is essentially invincible. We are told many, many times he's such a good shot he can never miss. He doesn't have a true weakness.
- My favorite character and the only one I feel was truly fleshed out was Ronnie. He is only found in Chapter 26. I could've read a book about Ronnie alone.
Cliche/Awkward Dialogue: I'll give examples. In response to the main character coming over, a woman agrees but says, "But why do I have a feeling I'll regret this?" (pg 35) and later, an enemy says, "If I wanted to kill you, you'd be dead already" (208).
Excessive similes: this may just be personal preference, but lines like "[he'd] be on top of him like a bear on salmon" (pg 88) were so melodramatic and goofy to me. And sometimes the author would make two uncommon similes like that in the same paragraph.
Unconvincing Faith Content: What kills me the most is the 8 year old who is being traumatized yet does NOT act traumatized. Why? She makes repeated statements of faith and is therefore largely unaffected. It's not convincing. Not realistic. She's 8 years old. Yes, child-like faith is wonderful. As a Christian, Christ has been my rock in the worst times of my life. I'm not knocking that-- no, never. But the way this was written was shallow.
Lack of Originality: this is literally a lightly Christianized Jason Bourne knock-off
Awful Structuring: I admit, after about 100 pgs in, I began skimming and skipped some sections. Why? Because the structuring was like whiplash. One chapter: this is the truth, Peter! The next chapter: no, this is the truth, Peter! There was no tension or time for discovery. Just whiplash.
Unconvincing Characters:
- ah, yes, the cliche bad guy with the scar on his face.
- The main character who is essentially invincible. We are told many, many times he's such a good shot he can never miss. He doesn't have a true weakness.
- My favorite character and the only one I feel was truly fleshed out was Ronnie. He is only found in Chapter 26. I could've read a book about Ronnie alone.
Cliche/Awkward Dialogue: I'll give examples. In response to the main character coming over, a woman agrees but says, "But why do I have a feeling I'll regret this?" (pg 35) and later, an enemy says, "If I wanted to kill you, you'd be dead already" (208).
Excessive similes: this may just be personal preference, but lines like "[he'd] be on top of him like a bear on salmon" (pg 88) were so melodramatic and goofy to me. And sometimes the author would make two uncommon similes like that in the same paragraph.
Unconvincing Faith Content: What kills me the most is the 8 year old who is being traumatized yet does NOT act traumatized. Why? She makes repeated statements of faith and is therefore largely unaffected. It's not convincing. Not realistic. She's 8 years old. Yes, child-like faith is wonderful. As a Christian, Christ has been my rock in the worst times of my life. I'm not knocking that-- no, never. But the way this was written was shallow.
August 30, 2017
I almost titled this review "Don't read Mike Dellosso unless you have nothing else to do" but then I thought it might dissuade someone from reading his work and that would be a mistake. This guy can write a page turner like few others. It's just they're really hard to put down. Centralia is a fast paced page turner that follows Peter Ryan, a man whose life is a complete mystery. When attacked this humble research assistant suddenly has fighting/military skills he doesn't know he has and he doesn't know why. His journey leads him to the mysterious town of Centralia, PA, a real life town that was abandoned because it sits above and underground mine fire that has been burning for decades. It's abandoned state leaves it the perfect place for nefarious experiments and government conspiracies. I know it's painfully cliche to say it this way but this book is a thrill ride.
I had the opportunity to meet Mike at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference. I sat in on a couple of his sessions on fiction writing and couldn't wait to read some of his work. I was not disappointed. This book has everything, except the stuff that I'd just as soon not have. It's clean and well written. It's got a lot of action, some violence, but it's not, for the most part, gory or gratuitous and while there is clearly a message of faith, it's not oversimplified or cliched. Centralia is a thought provoking and original read that I highly recommend—especially if you have some time on your hands. As sated before, it's really hard to put down.
I had the opportunity to meet Mike at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference. I sat in on a couple of his sessions on fiction writing and couldn't wait to read some of his work. I was not disappointed. This book has everything, except the stuff that I'd just as soon not have. It's clean and well written. It's got a lot of action, some violence, but it's not, for the most part, gory or gratuitous and while there is clearly a message of faith, it's not oversimplified or cliched. Centralia is a thought provoking and original read that I highly recommend—especially if you have some time on your hands. As sated before, it's really hard to put down.
February 6, 2023
I will admit, I only got 12-15% through the book before I decided I wasn't interested.
The fact that this was Christian fiction of a genre that really doesn't work and also wasn't really advertised as Christian fiction didn't help my rating. But I didn't like this for a couple main reasons just in the part that I got to.
First, it moved too quickly. The main character went from "oh my wife and kid are dead but I don't remember" to "no, they have to be alive, I would KNOW in my soul if they were dead" in moments. There was no build up, no stumbling across bread crumbs that don't add up, etc. He just KNOWS, which is highly unbelievable and pulls you out of the story.
Second, after a rather lengthy exposition on his Christian faith, whenever men in suits come to his door, he is able to quickly kill them and then has no remorse other than the moment where he explains to himself "no, they were going to kill me first". Which you don't know for sure, so this is again unbelievable. Nearly anyone has a mental crisis after taking a life for the first time, so for him to immediately rationalize it away and move on pulls me out of the characters headspace. If this guy was a trained soldier and this wasn't Christian fiction, it would have been fine, but that point was the straw that made me say "nah, I've got too many better books I want to read instead."
The fact that this was Christian fiction of a genre that really doesn't work and also wasn't really advertised as Christian fiction didn't help my rating. But I didn't like this for a couple main reasons just in the part that I got to.
First, it moved too quickly. The main character went from "oh my wife and kid are dead but I don't remember" to "no, they have to be alive, I would KNOW in my soul if they were dead" in moments. There was no build up, no stumbling across bread crumbs that don't add up, etc. He just KNOWS, which is highly unbelievable and pulls you out of the story.
Second, after a rather lengthy exposition on his Christian faith, whenever men in suits come to his door, he is able to quickly kill them and then has no remorse other than the moment where he explains to himself "no, they were going to kill me first". Which you don't know for sure, so this is again unbelievable. Nearly anyone has a mental crisis after taking a life for the first time, so for him to immediately rationalize it away and move on pulls me out of the characters headspace. If this guy was a trained soldier and this wasn't Christian fiction, it would have been fine, but that point was the straw that made me say "nah, I've got too many better books I want to read instead."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2018
RATING 4.367 STARS
I've had this book collecting dust for a couple years now. When I got the 2nd book of the series in the mail, I finally pulled CENTRALIA off the nightstand to give it a read - and I'm glad I did. There are certainly numerous shades of Jason Borne throughout this, but it's not a big deal because the writing captures your attention in much the same way and whisks you through the self-discovery path of Jed Patrick.
This book contains assassination attempts, car chases, hand-to-hand combat sequences, and much more to keep the action junkie engaged. Alongside (and in-between) the physical action sits a series of mind-twisting revelations and psychological exercises to satisfy thrill seekers. Woven tightly into the narrative thread, the reader will find touching emotion and raw expressions from a honest to goodness identity crisis. It's kind of an Eat Pray Love for guys - perhaps Beat, Prey, Love?
This was a fairly quick read and quite enjoyable. Definitely worth the read.
I've had this book collecting dust for a couple years now. When I got the 2nd book of the series in the mail, I finally pulled CENTRALIA off the nightstand to give it a read - and I'm glad I did. There are certainly numerous shades of Jason Borne throughout this, but it's not a big deal because the writing captures your attention in much the same way and whisks you through the self-discovery path of Jed Patrick.
This book contains assassination attempts, car chases, hand-to-hand combat sequences, and much more to keep the action junkie engaged. Alongside (and in-between) the physical action sits a series of mind-twisting revelations and psychological exercises to satisfy thrill seekers. Woven tightly into the narrative thread, the reader will find touching emotion and raw expressions from a honest to goodness identity crisis. It's kind of an Eat Pray Love for guys - perhaps Beat, Prey, Love?
This was a fairly quick read and quite enjoyable. Definitely worth the read.
December 24, 2024
Peter Ryan wakes up one morning wondering where his wife and young daughter are. After calling a friend, he's reminded that they were killed in an auto accident. The problem is that Peter has only vague memories of what happened. In fact, he only has vague memories about many parts of his life. What's going on?
Shortly after Ryan starts questioning his life, he starts getting pursued by men who want to kill him. The novel is about Peter Ryan finding out why he's being hunted as well as what has happened to his wife and child. This is very much an action thriller.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it with the caveat that it has a fair amount of violence in it. People are getting attacked, injured, and killed. However, the encounters are brief and the author doesn't dwell on the fighting too much.
Family Corner: No profanity or sex, but as mentioned above, it does have a fair amount of violence.
Shortly after Ryan starts questioning his life, he starts getting pursued by men who want to kill him. The novel is about Peter Ryan finding out why he's being hunted as well as what has happened to his wife and child. This is very much an action thriller.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it with the caveat that it has a fair amount of violence in it. People are getting attacked, injured, and killed. However, the encounters are brief and the author doesn't dwell on the fighting too much.
Family Corner: No profanity or sex, but as mentioned above, it does have a fair amount of violence.
July 16, 2024
When Peter wakes up and can't find his wife and daughter, he starts to panic trying to find Karen and Lilly. When he calls a friend, he discovers that Karen and Lilly actually died in a crash 3 months before, and he somehow forgot while he was sleeping. What shocks him even more is when 3 assassins break into his house and not only does know by sheer reflex how to defend himself, he also singlehandedly defeats them. Finding himself on the one, he finds himself barely able to stay one step ahead of the upcoming assassins, and discovers he may have forgotten more than just the car accident.
I actually have no idea where I got this book, but I'm glad I had it. I enjoyed the story and while it was hard to wrap my head around the ending it was hard to quit reading it
I actually have no idea where I got this book, but I'm glad I had it. I enjoyed the story and while it was hard to wrap my head around the ending it was hard to quit reading it
July 25, 2022
The pace of this book is unreal. It was very, very hard to put down because new reveals seemed to pop up every chapter.
I will say though, it was kind of the like the first time I watched Inception. There are so many layers to this and they keep going back and forth between "this is real, now it isn't real, but it might be real, but it isn't real, but it is real" that I started to just lose the plot a little bit.
3/5
I will say though, it was kind of the like the first time I watched Inception. There are so many layers to this and they keep going back and forth between "this is real, now it isn't real, but it might be real, but it isn't real, but it is real" that I started to just lose the plot a little bit.
3/5
November 25, 2017
Just pulled this off the library shelf. Thought it was a real thriller. As I read along, I kept thinking, “Ugh. This is awful! And why does he keep bringing up god?” I got a 3rd of the way in and it’s just so immature and tedious. It’s like a bible study adventure story. It needs to be labeled as Christian lesson material. Not mainstream fiction.
January 20, 2018
Constant action made this a heart-pounding read! The potential for evil, with brainwashing and conspiracy, is exposed. Lots of death and bullets; but not graphic violence (if that makes sense). The author identifies the critical need for the anchor of Jesus, and reliance on His strength, to pull us through the darkness of “powers and principalities”.
November 7, 2025
The main character reminded me of Reacher and if you know who Reacher is then you have an idea of what this book is like. It was intriguing, action packed, had good heart to it. The ending however was less than satisfying, I thought it was anticlimactic compared to the rest of the book but you be the judge for yourself.
June 15, 2021
Probably closer to 2.5 stars. A Christian version of Jason Bourne. The whole religious aspect didn't fit with the hired assassins, I forgot I'm a trained mercenary, corrupt police and government plot. It would be better if Christian fiction was more clearly marked as such.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews