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Nowhere #1
Hard to Die
No one knows what happened to Theodosia Burr, the fiery daughter Aaron Burr serenades in Hamilton: An American Musical. When she disappeared she fell into an in-between called Nowhere. For her soul to rest, she has one assignment: Help someone navigate a life-changing crossroad or be forgotten forever.
Theo is running out of time when she encounters Richard Cox, a West Point cadet who’s desperate. After someone from Richard’s past presents him with an impossible ultimatum, he has two choices: Return to spying on the Russians…or die.
As Theo and Richard battle adversaries, treachery collides with their growing passion. Can they trust each other enough to elude their enemies? Or are they pawns for a bigger foe determined to destroy them?
Hard to Die is the first book in the Nowhere Series, a speculative blend of riveting suspense, forgotten history, and a dash of paranormal fiction. If you like edge-of-your-seat action, compelling characters, and white-knuckle emotion, you’ll love the first installment in Andra Watkins’ page-turning series.
Buy Hard to Die today and discover your next favorite read!
Theo is running out of time when she encounters Richard Cox, a West Point cadet who’s desperate. After someone from Richard’s past presents him with an impossible ultimatum, he has two choices: Return to spying on the Russians…or die.
As Theo and Richard battle adversaries, treachery collides with their growing passion. Can they trust each other enough to elude their enemies? Or are they pawns for a bigger foe determined to destroy them?
Hard to Die is the first book in the Nowhere Series, a speculative blend of riveting suspense, forgotten history, and a dash of paranormal fiction. If you like edge-of-your-seat action, compelling characters, and white-knuckle emotion, you’ll love the first installment in Andra Watkins’ page-turning series.
Buy Hard to Die today and discover your next favorite read!
264 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2016
45 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Andra Watkins
8 books225 followersNew York Times Best Selling Author Andra Watkins lives in Charleston, South Carolina. A non-practicing CPA, she has a degree in accounting from Francis Marion University. She’s still mad at her mother for refusing to let her major in musical theater, because her mom was convinced she’d end up starring in porn films.
Andra is also an accomplished public speaker. Her acclaimed first novel To Live Forever: An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis was published by Word Hermit Press in 2014. She writes about her experience as one of the first living persons to walk the Natchez Trace as the pioneers did in her memoir Not Without My Father: One Woman's 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace, nominated for the National Book Award for Nonfiction, the Sarton Memoir Award, and the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award for Autobiographies and Memoirs. Her latest novel Hard to Die is nominated for the 2016 National Book Award for Fiction. andrawatkins.com.
Andra is also an accomplished public speaker. Her acclaimed first novel To Live Forever: An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis was published by Word Hermit Press in 2014. She writes about her experience as one of the first living persons to walk the Natchez Trace as the pioneers did in her memoir Not Without My Father: One Woman's 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace, nominated for the National Book Award for Nonfiction, the Sarton Memoir Award, and the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award for Autobiographies and Memoirs. Her latest novel Hard to Die is nominated for the 2016 National Book Award for Fiction. andrawatkins.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 11, 2017
Wow, this series is different from anything I’ve read before, in a very good way. The premise is this: people who have unresolved deaths—meaning it’s not clear how they died—are forced to enter Nowhere, an otherworldly place where they must help a living person find their right path. The task is fraught with danger, and they never know where in time or to whom they’ll be assigned. In order to be set free from Nowhere, they must succeed in this mission. If the Nowhere agent is killed before they do, they use up one of their Nowhere lives. If they fail to complete their mission by the thirteenth Nowhere life, well, you’ll have to read the book to find out more.
What makes this speculative concept even more unique? The author uses real-life historical figures as characters, real people whose deaths were never resolved. For example, “Hard to Die” centers around Theodosia Burr, son of Aaron Burr, a woman who was lost at sea when she was 29 years old, and Richard Cox, a West Point cadet who disappeared in 1950. There are also a couple other surprise characters.
Sharp prose, a brisk pace, and fascinating glimpses of historical figures many of us know little about keep this story clipping along. Beautiful description too, not to mention sentences you’ll want to read twice: “And let me cross the membrane between Nowhere and what’s next and walk into my son’s awaiting arms.”
Kudos to the author for creating such an intelligent and unique series.
What makes this speculative concept even more unique? The author uses real-life historical figures as characters, real people whose deaths were never resolved. For example, “Hard to Die” centers around Theodosia Burr, son of Aaron Burr, a woman who was lost at sea when she was 29 years old, and Richard Cox, a West Point cadet who disappeared in 1950. There are also a couple other surprise characters.
Sharp prose, a brisk pace, and fascinating glimpses of historical figures many of us know little about keep this story clipping along. Beautiful description too, not to mention sentences you’ll want to read twice: “And let me cross the membrane between Nowhere and what’s next and walk into my son’s awaiting arms.”
Kudos to the author for creating such an intelligent and unique series.
June 30, 2018
Original, yet rooted in history. Very well researched and still genuinely engaging.
May 4, 2017
I found this book so disappointing. It has such as great premise and then the writing let it down. It was confusing with sudden, irrelevant and badly written sex scenes and random swearing and the plot wasn't entirely fleshed out. I was just so disappointed.
August 20, 2016
Nowhere. The land beyond death. The silent character of Andra Watkins’s growing series of books. She started off strong with ‘To Live Forever’ and has served up a feverish second punch with “Hard To Die”. Not only is this an intriguing story of a strong woman who refuses simply accept the cards that life, and death for that matter, deal her but it is an explorative journey into history and possibility. Who is Theodosia Burr Alston? What part does she have in the affairs of her infamous father? How did such a headstrong woman deal with men who saw her as less than equal? How did she die, and what if she had continued on? And with that continuation, that possibility for and requirement of redemption, the story explores the philosophy of Nowhere.
I am reminded of the words in “A Christmas Carol” that the ghost of Marley speaks to Ebenezer Scrooge, “"It is required of every man … that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellowmen, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death.” This is the tale of Theodosia’s wandering after death. It is a moralistic tale if you will, a ghost story if you must. But it is a tale of a person and a very interesting person to say the least.
So read “Hard to Die” as an exciting and action-packed adventure mystery, but think on the questions posed by Nowhere. You will find yourself pondering the possibilities for a long time. Perhaps long enough to get you to the, hopefully, third book in the series?
Note: I read an advance review copy of this book supplied by the publisher. There may be changes to the content before it reaches final publication.
I am reminded of the words in “A Christmas Carol” that the ghost of Marley speaks to Ebenezer Scrooge, “"It is required of every man … that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellowmen, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death.” This is the tale of Theodosia’s wandering after death. It is a moralistic tale if you will, a ghost story if you must. But it is a tale of a person and a very interesting person to say the least.
So read “Hard to Die” as an exciting and action-packed adventure mystery, but think on the questions posed by Nowhere. You will find yourself pondering the possibilities for a long time. Perhaps long enough to get you to the, hopefully, third book in the series?
Note: I read an advance review copy of this book supplied by the publisher. There may be changes to the content before it reaches final publication.
February 23, 2017
I haven’t had so much fun reading about historic events and people since my school days! Thanks to Andra Watkins, her fertile imagination, and the in-depth research she obviously employs, I’ve found that historic figures coupled with fictional cohorts placed in locales easily recognizable today, will combine to provide terrific reading.
Anyone who took an American history class knows about Aaron Burr. However, with the recent exception of fans of Broadway’s Hamilton, I’d wager not many know of his daughter and only child, Theodosia, brilliant, well-educated, wife of an early governor of South Carolina who, at age 29, having already suffered the tragedy of losing a child, was lost at sea and presumed dead.
Hard to Die, Ms. Watkins’ second novel spun out of Nowhere, is Theodosia’s story, or more accurately that part of her story grown in the imagination of the author to give us a glimpse of Theodosia’s afterlife journey and her struggle to move beyond Nowhere. It’s a well-crafted tale, full of facts and characters from more than one time and place in history, interwoven with threads of intrigue, romance, and a touch of terror.
Although Hard to Die certainly stands well on its own (and is my favorite of the two), if you’ve read the author’s first novel, To Live Forever An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis, you will already understand Nowhere, and you will surely sense a theme. I personally hope for more in this vein, and highly recommend you visit your favorite bookseller for your own copy of Hard to Die.
Anyone who took an American history class knows about Aaron Burr. However, with the recent exception of fans of Broadway’s Hamilton, I’d wager not many know of his daughter and only child, Theodosia, brilliant, well-educated, wife of an early governor of South Carolina who, at age 29, having already suffered the tragedy of losing a child, was lost at sea and presumed dead.
Hard to Die, Ms. Watkins’ second novel spun out of Nowhere, is Theodosia’s story, or more accurately that part of her story grown in the imagination of the author to give us a glimpse of Theodosia’s afterlife journey and her struggle to move beyond Nowhere. It’s a well-crafted tale, full of facts and characters from more than one time and place in history, interwoven with threads of intrigue, romance, and a touch of terror.
Although Hard to Die certainly stands well on its own (and is my favorite of the two), if you’ve read the author’s first novel, To Live Forever An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis, you will already understand Nowhere, and you will surely sense a theme. I personally hope for more in this vein, and highly recommend you visit your favorite bookseller for your own copy of Hard to Die.
September 6, 2017
Creative book - taking historic features with mysterious deaths - have not "left" the world. Theodosia Burr Alton had drowned - these people are in "nowhere" and need to successfully complete a "mission" to assist living people with a cross-roads decision.
Theo was assigned to help Richard - a spy now at West Point post WWII. Richard and Theo have a common enemy - another person in "nowhere" who was the spymaster to Richard and the lifetime enemy of Theo - Wilkinson - who had betrayed Aaron Burr.
Ends with Theodosia failing her mission because she was determined to kill Wilkinson. Richard became another "nowhere" person.
Theo was assigned to help Richard - a spy now at West Point post WWII. Richard and Theo have a common enemy - another person in "nowhere" who was the spymaster to Richard and the lifetime enemy of Theo - Wilkinson - who had betrayed Aaron Burr.
Ends with Theodosia failing her mission because she was determined to kill Wilkinson. Richard became another "nowhere" person.
January 26, 2017
Not your average book. I can't recall any fiction in the last 20 years that even comes close to the writing in Hard to Die. I was looking forward to the historical character, but right out of the gate the story became something else altogether. A literary suspenseful novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Magnificent characters and a most imaginative tale. Do yourself a favor and read this one. Sure to be a best-seller. I can't wait to read the next one.
September 7, 2016
Even better than the prequel, "To Live Forever." I loved the author's depiction of Theodosia Burr as a sultry minx filled with determination and intelligence. The title is spot on - this book is a celebration of life, of survival, of perseverance. I can't wait for the next in the series!
October 8, 2019
A steam-powered thrill ride of a novel that takes you places in history you never knew you needed to go. Sexy, sassy and full of twists that keep you guessing, I highly recommend this book.
April 16, 2017
Very entertaining. I've read and enjoyed her other books. This certainly didn't disappoint. Like how she weaves previous characters into her new plots. Hope she writes more in this vein.
May 5, 2017
Rate the book!
I really liked this book. Couldn't put it down. This is a great book. I can't wait for them to kill Wilkinson.
I really liked this book. Couldn't put it down. This is a great book. I can't wait for them to kill Wilkinson.
November 18, 2016
I was anticipating the release of this book based upon my thorough enjoyment of the author's previous "afterlife" novel, "To Live Forever: An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis." The concept of following history into the netherworld, considering the famous and infamous with lives abruptly shortened and tasks left incomplete, is imaginative, compelling and original. "Hard to Die" exceeded my anticipated level of enjoyment. This was my introduction to the living--or is she?, Theodosia Burr, and as she tells her own story from the perspective of a life cut short, the historical context that taps into my current excitement and interest in Alexander Hamilton propelled me to move quickly through the chapters. How would this complex tale conclude? The addition of equally intriguing characters with dark, questionable personal motives moving through the fog of espionage creates a deeply satisfying involvement with men and women trapped living in the shadows, yearning to complete utterly desperate tasks that seem to never find fulfillment. I heartily recommend this book for those who love to take a fast-paced ride with unique characters within a story that weaves together worlds and eras. And if you have a love of American history, the bonus will be you'll want to know even more about the context that fascinated the author in the first place. This book is a wonderful original, and I am hopeful there will be another chapter, to let me know "What happens next?" Hard to Die
November 27, 2016
I received a copy of this book thanks to Smith Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
This is a second-in-a-series spy / crime novel based on the premise of afterlife: people who die under mysterious circumstances do not "pass away", but get send to Nowhere, where they have to fulfill an assignment after which they can move on. In the case of this novel, Theodosia Burr is our afterlife protagonist. She is the daughter of the murderer of Alexander Hamilton, and her assignment sends her to 1960s America, smack in the middle of the Cold War and the world of spies. And while I absolutely loved this side of the story, and the companion-protagonist/narrator former spy turned West Point cadet Richard, I have so so so, so! many questions!
I must admit that I have not read the first installment, and without it, the rules of Nowhere seemed weird. There was a serious lack on explanation, causing great confusion on my part. It is an amazing and innovative concept, but so shallowly sketched that huge holes are left unclear. I loved the spy-angel and the action, as well as the emotional internal battles of the characters. There was some seriously steamy romance, as well, and an overall solid cast of characters.
Beside the world building, it was not quite clear to me why it had to be Theodosia of all people. There seemed no real reason to choose her as a protagonist, as she was (aside from her historically accurate backstory and acquainted characters) interchangeable with any other badass female character. If Andra Watkins wanted to focus on Theo and showcase this amazing feminist figure, that would have made for a worthwhile book, too. Why not portray her in life then, instead of slapping two great ideas (Theo, afterlife) together to make a "meh"-book? I mean, it is enjoyable on the surface, but you better not think too hard about it, because the facade will crack.
This is a second-in-a-series spy / crime novel based on the premise of afterlife: people who die under mysterious circumstances do not "pass away", but get send to Nowhere, where they have to fulfill an assignment after which they can move on. In the case of this novel, Theodosia Burr is our afterlife protagonist. She is the daughter of the murderer of Alexander Hamilton, and her assignment sends her to 1960s America, smack in the middle of the Cold War and the world of spies. And while I absolutely loved this side of the story, and the companion-protagonist/narrator former spy turned West Point cadet Richard, I have so so so, so! many questions!
I must admit that I have not read the first installment, and without it, the rules of Nowhere seemed weird. There was a serious lack on explanation, causing great confusion on my part. It is an amazing and innovative concept, but so shallowly sketched that huge holes are left unclear. I loved the spy-angel and the action, as well as the emotional internal battles of the characters. There was some seriously steamy romance, as well, and an overall solid cast of characters.
Beside the world building, it was not quite clear to me why it had to be Theodosia of all people. There seemed no real reason to choose her as a protagonist, as she was (aside from her historically accurate backstory and acquainted characters) interchangeable with any other badass female character. If Andra Watkins wanted to focus on Theo and showcase this amazing feminist figure, that would have made for a worthwhile book, too. Why not portray her in life then, instead of slapping two great ideas (Theo, afterlife) together to make a "meh"-book? I mean, it is enjoyable on the surface, but you better not think too hard about it, because the facade will crack.
October 31, 2016
I have fallen in love with historical fiction largely due to the brilliance of Andra Watkins. "Hard to Die" is so very well written, each character's story is masterfully told. You can sense the longing of Theodosia Burr as she seeks to fulfill her mission and you truly get to know the other characters that she meets (or re-meets) along the way. Watkins has done her homework and the depth and strength of history mingles so well with the story that you come away believing in Burr's mission and wondering if she will ever fulfill it. I cannot wait to read the next in this series!
Note: I read an advance review copy of this book supplied by the publisher.
Note: I read an advance review copy of this book supplied by the publisher.
August 28, 2019
Very Intriguing!
I love the blend of historical facts and fiction. I love the concept of the story and the imaginative plot. It is very different and that made it a page turner. My only complaint was Dick Cox's seeming lack of killing skills. He was so smart about many things, but when it came time to kill his enemy. He was totally inept. Still, overall it is well worth reading.
I love the blend of historical facts and fiction. I love the concept of the story and the imaginative plot. It is very different and that made it a page turner. My only complaint was Dick Cox's seeming lack of killing skills. He was so smart about many things, but when it came time to kill his enemy. He was totally inept. Still, overall it is well worth reading.
January 22, 2017
Andra's novels bring historical characters into three dimensions. She makes her characters come to life and places them in settings that contribute to the story telling. Hard to Die grabs the reader from the start and hangs on tightly through all the twists and turns. I'm not sure I like Andra's Theodosia, but I found her fascinating. Looking forward to more Nowhere novels.
January 4, 2018
I am not sure how this book received ratings over 4, or over 3 for that matter. The writing is horrible; I couldn't make it past the second chapter.
June 18, 2021
Like season two of your favorite series, Hard to Die helps establish the back story that begin with To Live Forever. It’s an easy read that explores aspects of history not done before.
February 16, 2017
I have read all of this author’s books, and I think this one is the best yet. This novel has a brisk pace that propels the reader through history, geography and fantasia. In fact, I stayed up until 4:00 a.m. to finish it; I was unwilling to put it down before I knew how it ended. Featuring lesser-known historical figures that, while fictional in action, do not stray far from accuracy – this book gives readers an intimate understanding of the actual facts of these character’s early lives and motivations, then reveals their humanity in thrilling action. Having not visited West Point or the Hudson River Valley myself, I nevertheless feel like I could navigate it, based on the author’s tactile descriptions, word maps and nuanced portraits of both the nature of the region and the people who inhabit it. I enjoyed reading about a capable woman and a complex man, a nasty villain and redemption, all in a book with fresh ideas, clever twists, and ambiance that won’t quit.
March 7, 2017
Hard to Die, a novel by Andra Watkins, tells of Theodosia Burr (yes, the daughter to whom Aaron Burr sings on Hamilton). Theodosia dies young, and Watkins gives us glimpses of her life as she imagines an afterlife in which Theodosia still lives, an afterlife in which Theodosia must complete a mission to move out of the in-between state in which she remains.
Alive but not, Theodosia has control over how she's remembered only if she's able to complete her mission — helping a living soul navigate a crucial crossroads in their lives. If she fails, she'll simply fade from history's pages, as though she'd never lived at all.
Theodosia's mission involves Richard the handsome spy-turned-soldier who just wants to escape into normalcy. Unfortunately, leaving the spy network in which he was entrenched might not be as easy as Richard expected, even from the hallowed walls of West Point. Richard encounters someone from his past, someone with a deadly connection to Theodosia.
As each of the players circles the others, unsure of who to trust, Theodosia and Richard find themselves drawn to each other. The specter of suspicion lingers, and neither can decide how much of themselves they can reveal without endangering both of their lives.
Readers of Watkins' other books will be pleased to see a cameo from a beloved character, and by the end of the novel, threads weave together to highlight Watkins impeccable plotting skills.
Truthfully, I'm unsure how much of Theodosia's story comes from history's annals and how much comes from Watkins' fertile imagination. The story races along without demanding a history degree, and I believe Watkins' take on the afterlife will enthrall many readers.
Alive but not, Theodosia has control over how she's remembered only if she's able to complete her mission — helping a living soul navigate a crucial crossroads in their lives. If she fails, she'll simply fade from history's pages, as though she'd never lived at all.
Theodosia's mission involves Richard the handsome spy-turned-soldier who just wants to escape into normalcy. Unfortunately, leaving the spy network in which he was entrenched might not be as easy as Richard expected, even from the hallowed walls of West Point. Richard encounters someone from his past, someone with a deadly connection to Theodosia.
As each of the players circles the others, unsure of who to trust, Theodosia and Richard find themselves drawn to each other. The specter of suspicion lingers, and neither can decide how much of themselves they can reveal without endangering both of their lives.
Readers of Watkins' other books will be pleased to see a cameo from a beloved character, and by the end of the novel, threads weave together to highlight Watkins impeccable plotting skills.
Truthfully, I'm unsure how much of Theodosia's story comes from history's annals and how much comes from Watkins' fertile imagination. The story races along without demanding a history degree, and I believe Watkins' take on the afterlife will enthrall many readers.
September 16, 2019
Intriguing mix of genres
February 22, 2017
I received this as an advanced reader copy from Smith Publicity for an honest review.
When expecting a historical thriller, I was wildly surprised with the story of Theodosia Burr Alston. Theo as she prefers to be called is the daughter of Aaron Burr. Theo is in her own form of “Nowhere” with a guide that helps her focus on a mission without revealing too much. I think the concept of “Nowhere” is the best part of this book, the concept that we stay around if our death is a mystery.
Check out the rest of my review at https://amillionpages.com/
When expecting a historical thriller, I was wildly surprised with the story of Theodosia Burr Alston. Theo as she prefers to be called is the daughter of Aaron Burr. Theo is in her own form of “Nowhere” with a guide that helps her focus on a mission without revealing too much. I think the concept of “Nowhere” is the best part of this book, the concept that we stay around if our death is a mystery.
Check out the rest of my review at https://amillionpages.com/
November 2, 2016
Theodosia Burr Alston, the daughter of Aaron Burr, is fiercely defensive of her father, believing others led him astray and that even others allowed his duel with Alexander Hamilton and his trial over supposedly being a traitor to label him as an infamous character.
It’s now 1950 and Theodosia is having a hard time accepting that she is dead and between worlds. She has been given a mission, which she has to figure out herself with the occasional hints of a “Guardian.” She has already failed four times and will have thirteen times to get it right. If she doesn’t get it right, she will be forced to remain forever in this limbo of an existence. So she’s a divided character. Part of her wants to know the mission and complete it and the larger part of her wants to kill General Wilkinson, Aaron Burr’s partner at one time in planning an invasion of Mexico. But now General Wilkinson has a different role, one which is rather confusing to the reader at times.
We next meet a West Point Cadet, Richard Cox, who used to be a spy against the Russians. Now “George” is forcing him to return to the spy business and Richard wants no part of it. George tells Richard that he will die if he doesn’t return. It seems there’s a spy who has been caught and some vital information is on the loose about nuclear weapons. Remember 1950 was a time of virulent anti-Communistic opinion. The plot gets murky, however, when the reader is not sure if George is on the sides of the Americans or Russians at odd moments here and there toward the latter part of the novel.
Some other historical figures enter the fray as Theodosia and Richard get closer and the forces against them are oppressively close and threatening. All the historical characters in this novel have a good side and an evil side, and the reader must keep flipping the pages rapidly as the author does such a great job in mixing up the conclusions readers want to shape from the very first page. That takes talent, indeed!
How many times can one die? Does goodness guarantee one will win the challenges that rapidly and forcefully impress Theodosia and Richard? Will these life-threatening scenes end in the separation of Richard and Theodosia who are getting ever closer? Good story, Andra Watkins!
It’s now 1950 and Theodosia is having a hard time accepting that she is dead and between worlds. She has been given a mission, which she has to figure out herself with the occasional hints of a “Guardian.” She has already failed four times and will have thirteen times to get it right. If she doesn’t get it right, she will be forced to remain forever in this limbo of an existence. So she’s a divided character. Part of her wants to know the mission and complete it and the larger part of her wants to kill General Wilkinson, Aaron Burr’s partner at one time in planning an invasion of Mexico. But now General Wilkinson has a different role, one which is rather confusing to the reader at times.
We next meet a West Point Cadet, Richard Cox, who used to be a spy against the Russians. Now “George” is forcing him to return to the spy business and Richard wants no part of it. George tells Richard that he will die if he doesn’t return. It seems there’s a spy who has been caught and some vital information is on the loose about nuclear weapons. Remember 1950 was a time of virulent anti-Communistic opinion. The plot gets murky, however, when the reader is not sure if George is on the sides of the Americans or Russians at odd moments here and there toward the latter part of the novel.
Some other historical figures enter the fray as Theodosia and Richard get closer and the forces against them are oppressively close and threatening. All the historical characters in this novel have a good side and an evil side, and the reader must keep flipping the pages rapidly as the author does such a great job in mixing up the conclusions readers want to shape from the very first page. That takes talent, indeed!
How many times can one die? Does goodness guarantee one will win the challenges that rapidly and forcefully impress Theodosia and Richard? Will these life-threatening scenes end in the separation of Richard and Theodosia who are getting ever closer? Good story, Andra Watkins!
November 16, 2016
When the winter rains
come pourin' down
On that new home of mine,
Will you think of me
and wonder if I'm fine?
Will your restless heart
come back to mine
On a journey thru the past.
Will I still be in your eyes
and on your mind? - Neil Young
If you know me, you know that I don't throw Mr Young around lightly. I am not a critic. I don't write reviews but here are a few impressions of this excellent work.
Ms Watkins last fiction, "To Live Forever" was infused with the summer heat of her native south and despite the speed of the narrative had a languid feel to it.
Hard To Die moves into my world, the world of the Northeastern winter. It is a place where your existence can be whited out in a blizzard at any moment and nothing can be seen or felt, until you step on the ice or the north wind whips around the bend and suddenly you are flying and out of control with only luck to guide you to a safe landing.
Ms Watkin's creation, the plane of existence called "Nowhere", a place somewhere between purgatory, the Twilight Zone, and a waiting room in the reincarnation ward, is a brilliant idea. We met Meriwether Lewis in To Live Forever. In Hard To Die we meet an equally compelling figure in Theodosia Burr.
I strongly suggest that you read them both.
Tell me again
When I’ve been to the river
And I’ve taken the edge off my thirst
Tell me again
We’re alone and I’m listening
I’m listening so hard that it hurts
Tell me again
When I’m clean and I’m sober
Tell me again
When I’ve seen through the horror
Tell me again
Tell me over and over
Tell me that you want me then
Amen… Leonard Cohen
I don't throw this other Canadian gentleman around lightly, either.
come pourin' down
On that new home of mine,
Will you think of me
and wonder if I'm fine?
Will your restless heart
come back to mine
On a journey thru the past.
Will I still be in your eyes
and on your mind? - Neil Young
If you know me, you know that I don't throw Mr Young around lightly. I am not a critic. I don't write reviews but here are a few impressions of this excellent work.
Ms Watkins last fiction, "To Live Forever" was infused with the summer heat of her native south and despite the speed of the narrative had a languid feel to it.
Hard To Die moves into my world, the world of the Northeastern winter. It is a place where your existence can be whited out in a blizzard at any moment and nothing can be seen or felt, until you step on the ice or the north wind whips around the bend and suddenly you are flying and out of control with only luck to guide you to a safe landing.
Ms Watkin's creation, the plane of existence called "Nowhere", a place somewhere between purgatory, the Twilight Zone, and a waiting room in the reincarnation ward, is a brilliant idea. We met Meriwether Lewis in To Live Forever. In Hard To Die we meet an equally compelling figure in Theodosia Burr.
I strongly suggest that you read them both.
Tell me again
When I’ve been to the river
And I’ve taken the edge off my thirst
Tell me again
We’re alone and I’m listening
I’m listening so hard that it hurts
Tell me again
When I’m clean and I’m sober
Tell me again
When I’ve seen through the horror
Tell me again
Tell me over and over
Tell me that you want me then
Amen… Leonard Cohen
I don't throw this other Canadian gentleman around lightly, either.
July 26, 2017
As a child history always confounded me as I always asked the question - how do they really know? Andra's characters tell such a vivid tale with your heart pounding in unison with the character. Somehow Andra finds a way to make you care, breathe, feel each of her characters. This is a roller coaster ride and I mean one of the enjoyable roller coaster rides. Andra is one of my favorite authors. Her writing beacons to me and I'm rewarded. You cannot go wrong picking up any one of Andra's books and I am looking forward to the next one. I am not a very good wordsmith but I am heartfelt in telling any reader out there - pick up her books - you will absolutely enjoy the ride and love (or despise) the characters.
October 26, 2016
I have looked forward to this latest novel from Watkins since I finished her first –To Live Forever- and it did not disappoint. Like the first installment in the series, it starts in Nowhere where we are first re-introduced to Theodosia Alston Burr. From there she proceeds by train to West Point and the surrounding Hudson River Valley where she runs into an old acquaintance and the object of her mission, Richard Cox. Alternating between the voices of Theo and Richard the plot rocks along at break neck speed. Each chapter brings a new surprise and carries us closer to the surprising climax.
Andra uses her alternate afterlife – Nowhere – to take historical figures out of their own time and place them in another. This unfamiliar backdrop allows them to be seen not as “figures” but as flesh and blood people. People with desires, regrets, and longings. The Hudson River Valley, the setting for the novel, is woven tightly with the plot, its rich history, both geologic and human, adding nuance to every scene. At the heart of all of Watkins’ work, both fiction and non fiction is American History as an animate condition – that our past -both the larger historical stories and individual narratives color how we experience our present condition and interact with those around us.
Note: I read an advance review copy of this book supplied by the publisher.
Andra uses her alternate afterlife – Nowhere – to take historical figures out of their own time and place them in another. This unfamiliar backdrop allows them to be seen not as “figures” but as flesh and blood people. People with desires, regrets, and longings. The Hudson River Valley, the setting for the novel, is woven tightly with the plot, its rich history, both geologic and human, adding nuance to every scene. At the heart of all of Watkins’ work, both fiction and non fiction is American History as an animate condition – that our past -both the larger historical stories and individual narratives color how we experience our present condition and interact with those around us.
Note: I read an advance review copy of this book supplied by the publisher.
November 13, 2016
I have been a fan of NYT Bestselling Author, Andra Watkins since stumbling across her blog several years ago. Observing her early ability to be a compelling storyteller, I paid attention, buying her first novel, “To Live Forever” and then followed along as she hiked the entire, 444-mile Natchez Trace, posting daily update videos, in support of that book. She then penned her second book, “Not Without My Father” chronicling that experience and how it changed her relationship with her dad, a character that also draws you in. Her latest novel, “Hard To Die” is filled with intrigue, deceit and passion, causing the reader to keep wanting to read, “just one more chapter before I put it down”, again and again. For the record, I read the 250 pages in two sittings over two days. Even after I thought I figured out how the story would end, a last minute change in direction took me to another time in history.
With books like this, it will not be too long before Andra Watkins enjoys increased, widespread recognition for her outstanding stories.
As someone commented in another review, Hard to Die is Hard to put down.
With books like this, it will not be too long before Andra Watkins enjoys increased, widespread recognition for her outstanding stories.
As someone commented in another review, Hard to Die is Hard to put down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2016
This novel really delivers a unique and dynamic story that skillfully weaves together history, spy-thriller and suspense, plus the paranormal (I’d say philosophical paranormal, not zombies and vampires). It is very character-driven, with four principle protagonists each well-formed and believable, especially the strong female figure who is both a historical and contemporary woman. The writing effectively intertwines the strands of the story, gradually tightening the narrative as it builds. It truly feels like you are slipping down the snowy slopes of the Hudson Valley, picking up speed as you careen toward the frozen river, and bracing for the cold awakening that awaits you at the end of the ride. A worthy companion to the author’s debut To Live Forever. Note: I read a promotional advance reader copy.
February 7, 2017
What a great concept for a book .this made you think from beginning to end.Awesome characters and great plot .Cant wait to read more in this series.I received this book free as part of goodreads giveaways.
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