Aftershock

Donovan Nash #5

by Philip Donlay

The flames of Donovan Nash's worst nightmare are fanned to life when Stephanie VanGelder, one of those closest to him, is kidnapped in the volcanic powder keg of a lawless Guatemala. With help from his inner circle that includes his estranged wife, Dr. Lauren McKenna, Donovan races headlong into the world of corruption and deception. Battling the kidnappers, as well as the deadly gas and lava from the impending eruption of a volcano, Donovan only has one chance to save Stephanie.

Amid earthquakes, volcanic ash, and lava from the eruption, the rescue goes horribly wrong, and Donovan is forced to find a way for everyone, including a mysterious woman who holds the secrets to his past, to escape one of the most powerful forces on earth. "Aftershock" is the story of Donovan Nash, a man battling his torturous past, while struggling to survive the volcano along with those who matter most to him. In the face of impending death, Donovan must garner the courage to endure a shocking revelation he's sought for decades-a truth that will change him forever.

"

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Crime, Adventure

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2015

About the author

As a young man, Philip Donlay's life was shaped by two distinct events. At the age of seventeen, he earned his pilot's license, and at eighteen was published in a national aviation magazine. The combination of these two passions: flying and writing, has led to successful careers as both a professional pilot and novelist.

He's been a flight instructor, flown a private jet for a Saudi prince, and for twenty-eight years flew a corporate jet for a Fortune 500 company. Licensed to fly six different jets and having logged nearly 14,000 hours, his travels have taken him to over forty countries on five continents. No longer flying, Donlay now divides his time between Minneapolis and the San Juan Islands. He's the author of four novels, Category Five, Code Black, Zero Separation, and his latest: Deadly Echoes.

Reviews

[Valleri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm disappointed to write that I didn't like this book nearly as much as I did Code Black. I passed on Zero Separation because of this review: "In this tale, our hero survives a plane crash, two kidnappings, a stab wound, a knife wound, a gunshot wound, two drug injections, exposure to a life-threatening bacterial disease, and another plane crash." Picture me rolling my eyes.

I also passed on Deadly Echoes because of this review: "Unfortunately this book strips away everything great about the Donovan Nash books. Here Nash, someone who has always had a high level of integrity and loyalty, turns into a whining, cheating, moron. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I take marriage vows seriously." He and Lauren had a child together and had just gotten married! More rolling eyes.

So, here we are with Aftershock. There was a woman in this book who was the most beautiful woman Donovan had ever seen. After just meeting her, Donovan was helping her out of cars, hugging her, kissing her on the forehead, and letting her stay in his hotel room when he wasn't using it. If a married man I had just met did those things I would have run for my life. Lauren did have a major role in Aftershock but I think it was as a clairvoyant. She seemed to know what was going on in every situation, without any kind of explanation. She just knew. It was silly.

The things that were happening in Aftershock were so far beyond logical and there were so many of them!!! Stick a fork in me. I'm done.

[Heather Ames · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author really knows his aircraft and demonstrated that throughout this thriller. He actually did a good job writing in the female POV, which is frequently very difficult for a man. That said, the male protagonist seemed pretty naïve for this far in a series that has him dealing with dangerous situations and not reading other characters well enough to avoid plot contrivances. The ending just needed to be tied up with a big bow. Much too neat and tidy after all the mess that was created. I like a little disorder, which can ramp up the tension and anticipation for the next book. The biggest issue I had with this was Donovan Nash being able to assume a new identity in the first place. So much more difficult these days. What about DNA for goodness sake? And the angst. So over-the-top so late in the game. It weakened him and made him less sympathetic. I picked up this book at a convention several years ago because I liked the back blurb. Somehow, though, I never got around to reading it. This one didn't stir enough interest in me to back to Book 1, which has happened with other series.

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading any Donovan Nash must be the equivalent of hanging by a rope from a helicopter in flight. Nash never stops analyzing, moving, remembering his hidden past. Calling is thriller "non-stop" is not infrequent, but.with every novel by Philip Donlay in the Donovan Nash series, "non-Stop" is an exact and accurate description. In this fifth installment, a photographer who is an essential friend is kidnapped from a seething Guatemalan volcano, triggering flashbacks from the events of twenty-five years earlier that killed his fiancee. You are likely to hold your breath throughout.

[Boomer · Rating 3 out of 5]

All in all, this was an entertaining read. A huge step up from the previous novel. As with all the other books in this series, you have to suspend disbelief and just be good with the crazy situations Nash finds himself in. I'm relieved that finally the whole Meredith Barnes plotline is put to rest. It was interesting in the first couple of novels, but five books in and I've had enough of the whole Robert Huntington blaming himself thing that the author's been milking from Book 1. With Meredith's killers finally revealed and dealt with here I'm hoping this will be the end of it. Moving on to Book 6!

[Stephen F. Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is is a thriller chase story where our hero, Donovan Nash, is a billionaire trying to rescue a young woman who has been kidnapped in Guatemala. The woman is like a daughter to him (no romantic interest) and the story meanders through one tough situation after another, sort of like the Perils of Pauline. I found it a little tiring after a while. I won't give the ending away in case you want to read the entire book. You might try skimming through some sections if you do.

Overall an OK but not outstanding read.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book in the new section of the library. It took me two days to read it and it gets very complicated with the plot. A short summary follows. A lady get kidnapped in Guatemala and a whole bunch of interconnected people go look for her. Everybody has secrets in this book. She finally did rescued, the volcano was not in the book until almost the end. This was okay but hard to follow.

[Robert M. Roth MD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light entertainment

This book would be good company on a long flight or a summer day at the beach. Park your sense of disbelief and just enjoy the action packed adventure. The plot moves quickly along, the loose ends are tied up and you won't need to spend any time pondering the book after completion.

I felt the author's first novel was outstanding and dealt with flying, a topic that the author excels at. I hope that one day, he will return to his roots.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had all the elements of a great thriller, but somehow it didn’t thrill me. I keep trying to identify why I was unable to fully immerse myself in this story.
The setting was great, especially to me, since I’ve been to Lake Attilan several times and have to agree with Aldous Huxley when he wrote: “Lake Como, it seems to me, touches on the limit of permissibly picturesque, but Atitlan is Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes. It really is too much of a good thing.”
Lake Atitlan has that slightly unreal, magical atmosphere that the author described well. He was not exaggerating about how extraordinary this place is. It is also a dangerous place. Armed robbery, theft, rape and even murder are not uncommon although the areas tourists generally visit are much safer and most people travel with armed guards if they go off the beaten path.
Mt Atitlan is just dormant and could erupt at any time, but so far it hasn’t as far as I know. However, I thought the authors description of the potential eruption was well done and believable.
The characters were multidimensional and interesting, as were their interactions. The plot was mostly intriguing, and should have been thrilling, but to me this book was merely okay....readable, but not putdownable. I never lost myself in the story, although I tried repeatedly to do so. I really wanted to like it, especially since it was set in a place I love, but I was never able to become deeply immersed. I was reminded of coffee that is too dilute. It’s drinkable, but it is a shame since it could have been so much better if it were stronger.
Note: I received an advance copy of the ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Bob Gormly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Read

This is my first review and feel compelled to write it. I have fifty or so books on my Kindle and keep coming back to Philip Donlay, I think this is number four that I’ve read of his. He’s a wonderful writer. Just when I think I’ve hit the peak of the excitement there’s more. Also, I’m the kind of person that can get emotional if something touches my heart. His books, that I’ve read, can be emotional at the end. I also really appreciate the fact that there is very little bad language, just a couple of words. Thank You Mr. Donlay.

[Thomas Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is very hard to explain how much I got out of this book. I've cried and felt relieved at different times. What is wrong? Why is this not this review working?

It is very hard to explain how much I got out of this book. I've cried and felt relieved at different times.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good narrative, sometimes corny language choices

This series is intriguing and full of twists but the author sometimes overdescribes scenes. This book is no different. It's a good read.

[Ferol Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Donovan Nash

The kind of story that is exciting and has you crying when the characters are crying scared when they are scared.Well written, allows you to become committed to the characters. Smart story and well written. I want more stories.

[John Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, lots of action, moves right along.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aftershock review

Aftershock is the fifth excellent thriller in the Donovan Nash series written by author Philip Donlay. Once again, there's fast-paced, nonstop action.

[Shanna Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love volcanoes and I love Donovan Nash!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Thomas Shebell Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thriller at amazing speed.

A saga that holds your attention through out.Travels the world to keep up with the hero’s and villains.You will not be letdown.

[Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. Love the action and the characters.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Books

These Donovan Nash books are books you cannot put down. The excitement never ends. I highly recommend them. I guarantee you will enjoy them.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geology thriller and characters from the past. Its really difficult to buried the past, more and more people could dug into the main character real person.

[Kendra O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-Stop Action

I really enjoyed this book! The action never stopped and the story line was great! I would recommend it to any Phillip Donlay fans!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series and read all 8 books in a row!
(P.S. Updating my books for 2023 so these last books will all say started & ended on 12/31/23)

[Mary Docherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best

This book puts much of the story in the previous ones to a great conclusion. I can’t wait to read the next books to see where Donovan goes from here.

[Jeanne Gering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific!

I don't believe I have ever read books more action-packed, more thrilling, more gripping than those of Philip Donlay. And this one is no exception. Reminds me of Arthur Hailey. You have to read this series!

[Dixie Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like adventure . . . this one is non-stop!

All five of this author's books I've read have been non-stop action and adventure! This one is no exception! It's well written dialogue and scenes let you picture the exciting action and feel the building suspense, which does not end until you make it through to the answers on the last pages!!

P.S. Upon finishing books 1 through 7, I can honestly tell you the quality and suspense and action are in every single book and I recommend them all!

[Killer Nashville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donovan Nash is back!

Things have calmed down since “Deadly Echoes“, but Nash finds himself in yet another suspenseful adventure. Stephanie VanGelder, one of Nash’s closest friends, is conducting research on a volcano in Guatemala. Within seconds, the team of scientists is attacked, and Stephanie is kidnapped for a ransom of $3 million dollars.

Though Nash arrives at the volcano with fire in his eyes and a gun in hand, he begins to realize he will need the strategy and forethought of his friends and wife now. Strength and good aim alone are not going to be enough to save Stephanie.

While the novel certainly has riveting suspense in the conflict between the kidnappers and Nash, even more suspenseful is the volcano that is soon to erupt. Ash, lava, earthquakes, toxic gas…natural disasters plague the protagonists with every move. They will find themselves not just worried about Stephanie’s life, but their own as well.

Philip Donlay’s newest novel “Aftershock” brings back a wonderful character and pulls readers into a heated landscape that has us sweating from page one, and the thrilling suspense keeps us from ever cooling off. The plot is laced with twists and turns, including secrets about Nash’s own life and ghosts from his own past. The characters in Donlay’s novel are intricate and fascinating, a rare treat for a thriller novel.

After finishing the explosive ending, readers will find themselves begging for the next Donovan Nash novel. Once again, Donlay has done a splendid job creating a thriller that all fans of the genre will avidly enjoy.

Reviewer: Jonathan W. Thurston is a literary studies graduate student. Aside from his studies, he owns a small publishing house called Thurston Howl Publications and serves as its editor-in-chief. He has written several books on his own and always enjoys reading a good horror novel. When he’s not busy with grad school or his business, he is often found reading a good book with hot tea in one hand and his dog Temerita curled up at his feet (she often thinks she is a cat, you see).


Killer Nashville's Review of Aftershock
Killer Nashville's Past Book Reviews

[Daniel Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are reading this, then chances are you’re already aware of Donovan Nash’s background. If not, you can find that elsewhere. This review applies as much to the Donovan Nash series as to Aftershock. I have read four of the five books in the series, have one on order, and am awaiting the release of the sixth, due March 1, 2016. Each book can be enjoyed separately; it isn’t necessary to read them in order, although that might add a little to following the ongoing troubles of Donavan’s life. But, just pick one to get started. These action-packed stories are like having an action-adventure movie in your hands. Author Philip Donlay’s descriptions are so vivid that if Donovan flies through volcanic ash, you almost breathe it. If cold air rushes into a torn fuselage, you feel it. As a helicopter hovers overhead, you hear the thwop-thwop-thwop of the rotors and feel the push of the downdraft. If a beautiful woman enters the room, or a former Navy SEAL bodyguard, you see them. You can do as I do and stretch out reading one of his books over a few evenings, or you can do as I am tempted to do and binge read one all night or over a weekend. Either way, with Donovan Nash you will get more bang for your buck than going to the movies, and you don’t have to pay high prices for popcorn and soda. Writers and students of writing know that one of the greatest concerns of a novelist is the sagging middle of a novel, which is any or all of the part of the book sandwiched between the first five eye-catching pages and the last five “oh wow” pages. Philip Donlay has his own solution to that problem: Just don’t have a sagging middle. Action begins on the first page and carries through his books, rich in detail, until the finish. For thrillers, I have been and remain a fan of author Brad Thor and would say this to him. Look over your shoulder, Philip Donlay is crowding your space.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Another jam packed action novel with Donovan Nash. Good exciting characters, plot and setting.

Stephanie VanGelder was in Guatemala to take photos of a volcano that just erupted when her party was murdered and she was kidnapped. She thought of Donovan as a brother.

Donovan Nash is a pilot that works for a company that lets scientists discover more about the planet. Donovan used to be Robert Huntington a billionaire that the world blames him for the death of his fiance after she was kidnapped and murdered. Robert faked his own death. Only six people know who he is really. He is determined not to lose another person close to him.

Donovan gathers a group to go find Stephanie. He uses his plane with all the new technology and scientific tools to do what others can't do.

I did not want to put the book down. It is fast paced thriller set in Guatemala.
I have read all the Donovan Nash books and look forward to reading more of Philip Donlay's work in the future.

I was given this ebook to read from Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing. Oceanview Publishing
In return I agreed to give a honest review of Aftershock.

[Alisha Henri · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Astoundingly Breathtaking Tale

At the very first, I thought this might be just another typical adventure story, a saga of angst and drama...after only a few pages I was completely engulfed in the Donovan Nash world, feeling as if I were not only observing the events, but also living them. Too many words are floating through my mind as I attempt to express my enjoyment of this book. It is superbly written, detailed, has excellent character identification and development, and contains several related yet different plot lines, all of which are smoothly resolved by the end of the book. Kudos to Philip Donlay. If you enjoy almost nonstop excitement combined with a complex but fascinating story you'll enjoy this book. I certainly have.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donovan Nash always finds himself embroiled in deadly but very exciting scenarios. This time he is in Guatemala to pay the ransom or rescue the niece of his dearest friend, William who has been kidnapped presumably by guerrillas. Some of the books background are a little repetitious such as the death of Donovan's parents and the death of the woman he was going to marry but all part of setting the background of the whole series of books just in case a reader finds themselves in the middle of the series and is left wondering why Donovan does certain things. All in all, these books have been a tremendous read. High octane.