What do you think?
Rate this book
Donovan Nash #8
Speed the Dawn
In the style of Clive Cussler, best-selling author Philip Donlay climbs to a new height of terror in his 8th Donovan Nash thriller.
Hundreds of white-hot meteor fragments plunge toward Earth near Monterey Bay, California. Huge fires ignite the tinder-dry landscape and, as the sun sets, the power grid collapses and the fires grow, illuminating a nightmare created in hell itself. Donovan Nash realizes he is trapped.
Injured and growing desperate, his options dwindling, Donovan fights to keep himself and a small band of survivors alive until dawn, when they can make one last attempt to escape the inferno.
Meanwhile, Donovan's wife, Dr. Lauren McKenna, working with the Pentagon as well as the Forest Service, envisions a bold approach to stop the fire from spreading all the way to the Bay Area and the seven million residents living there. She's terrified that, if not executed perfectly, her plan could cause the death of thousands of people—including Donovan.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2018
157 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Philip Donlay
15 books67 followersAs 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 8, 2018
Oh, my gosh! This book was insane! A wild ride that hooked you from the start and never let you go! Its the BEST book I've read so far this year, hands down!!!
Donovan is on the West Coast when a meteor strike hits. From then on its a race to safety as the meteor strike spawns tsunamis in the Pacific. Donovan was on the coast for the launch of The Buckley, his latest Eco-Watch invention, a beautiful ship that would participate in research that would benefit the environment. His companion, Shannon, had been his late friend, Buck's, romantic interest so it was only right she be there for the launching of the ship named after Buck. When the meteors hit, Donovan and Shannon begin making their way north as hundreds of fires have broken out, making their journey treacherous and filled with danger. Donovan's first thought is to get to his friend and mentor, William, an older man who helped Donovan reinvent himself years earlier.
You see, Donovan was once Robert Huntington, a wealthy man accused of killing his wife. Even though he was cleared of any involvement in her murder, the media was relentless in their pursuit and persecution of him. He pretty much lost everything, his family, his friends, his business. He was at the point of suicide. That's when William stepped in. With William's help, Donovan Nash was born and as far as everyone else was concerned, Robert Huntington died in a plane crash, possibly a suicide.
As Donovan fights to survive, his wife, Dr. Lauren McKenna, flying in to join her husband, has problems of her own. When the meteor storm hits she's in a Gulfstream that takes a few hits, forcing them to land as quickly as possible. With the plane on fire and the co-pilot bleeding from a wound caused by a meteor going through him, Donovan's best friend and pilot of the Gulfstream, Michael, struggles to get the plane safely on the ground.
The rest of the book involves Donovan and Lauren trying to get to each other with Lauren not even certain Donovan's alive. Not only do they have fires and tsunamis to worry about. There's the total lawlessness on the ground putting their lives in danger. And once they locate an injured William, Donovan and Shannon have to cope with getting him out as well.
The action in this one is non-stop. I didn't want to put it down. I think Philip Donlay outdid himself with this one. I've enjoyed every single book in this series but this one shot straight to the top is my list of outstanding books for 2018. The author's attention to detail and his descriptions of the fire and devastation were above board and made me feel as though I was there, experiencing it for myself. As always, the characters played a big part in my enjoyment of the book. For Donovan to have gone through so much then to have actually reinvented himself and been successful at it, only adds to the mystery involved as at times he still has to work to keep his real identity concealed.
This is one I highly recommend. It has action, adventure, danger, and of course, a touch of romance. Donovan and Lauren are married, after all!
Donovan is on the West Coast when a meteor strike hits. From then on its a race to safety as the meteor strike spawns tsunamis in the Pacific. Donovan was on the coast for the launch of The Buckley, his latest Eco-Watch invention, a beautiful ship that would participate in research that would benefit the environment. His companion, Shannon, had been his late friend, Buck's, romantic interest so it was only right she be there for the launching of the ship named after Buck. When the meteors hit, Donovan and Shannon begin making their way north as hundreds of fires have broken out, making their journey treacherous and filled with danger. Donovan's first thought is to get to his friend and mentor, William, an older man who helped Donovan reinvent himself years earlier.
You see, Donovan was once Robert Huntington, a wealthy man accused of killing his wife. Even though he was cleared of any involvement in her murder, the media was relentless in their pursuit and persecution of him. He pretty much lost everything, his family, his friends, his business. He was at the point of suicide. That's when William stepped in. With William's help, Donovan Nash was born and as far as everyone else was concerned, Robert Huntington died in a plane crash, possibly a suicide.
As Donovan fights to survive, his wife, Dr. Lauren McKenna, flying in to join her husband, has problems of her own. When the meteor storm hits she's in a Gulfstream that takes a few hits, forcing them to land as quickly as possible. With the plane on fire and the co-pilot bleeding from a wound caused by a meteor going through him, Donovan's best friend and pilot of the Gulfstream, Michael, struggles to get the plane safely on the ground.
The rest of the book involves Donovan and Lauren trying to get to each other with Lauren not even certain Donovan's alive. Not only do they have fires and tsunamis to worry about. There's the total lawlessness on the ground putting their lives in danger. And once they locate an injured William, Donovan and Shannon have to cope with getting him out as well.
The action in this one is non-stop. I didn't want to put it down. I think Philip Donlay outdid himself with this one. I've enjoyed every single book in this series but this one shot straight to the top is my list of outstanding books for 2018. The author's attention to detail and his descriptions of the fire and devastation were above board and made me feel as though I was there, experiencing it for myself. As always, the characters played a big part in my enjoyment of the book. For Donovan to have gone through so much then to have actually reinvented himself and been successful at it, only adds to the mystery involved as at times he still has to work to keep his real identity concealed.
This is one I highly recommend. It has action, adventure, danger, and of course, a touch of romance. Donovan and Lauren are married, after all!
March 19, 2018
Mr. donlay. I am so sorry. You laboured over writing this book for several weeks or even several months and I read it in twelve hours. Amazon posted this book at seven this morning and I just had to have it and it was history by seven this evening. Another simply great adventure with a massive fire ripping through the Monteray area caused by a meteor storm. Everyone on the eco team is involved in dealing with the horrific events of the fire no more that Nash and his wife Lauren. Plausible plot scenarios and well handled to the end.
February 24, 2021
Donovan Nash? A better name is Donovan Trash.
I will now spend more time reviewing this novel than I spent reading it. There are good books, mediocre books, and bad books. Then there’s ‘Speed of Dawn’ which is a waste of the paper it’s written on. Had I not gotten this from the library, I would’ve thrown it across the room.
I only got through 12 pages before reaching my breaking point. I’ve had root canals more enjoyable.
The first chapter consists of a Gulfstream trapped in a meteor shower. The co-pilot is killed. The pilot is injured. There are holes in the fuselage. Both engines have flamed out. The plane is spiraling toward the earth at 300 MPH from 35,000 feet! Intense stuff, right? Then why are 2 of the passengers engaged in a long, wordy conversation. This is an exact excerpt from page 3 of this ‘book.’
“I couldn’t tell. The meteor vanished into the haze. I’m hoping it hit well out to sea. The second Michael levels off, we’re going up front to help Rick. Could you tell what happened to him—where he was hit?”
“I was standing at the galley, talking to both of them when there was that awful noise. Dozens of holes appeared in the roof like we’d been hit by a twelve gauge. All I saw was that Rick got hit in the back, near the right shoulder.”
Okay, call me crazy, but when a plane is falling from the sky at hundreds of miles per hour, I highly doubt people will have such drawn out conversations.
Another problem with this book is that it’s a cardinal rule to NOT give everyone’s backstory up front. Yet, that is what this author does. For example, in a Michael Connelly book, the first time we see Harry Bosch, Connelly doesn’t spend 3-4 pages telling us Harry’s life story. Even movies don’t do that. Take the first Lethal Weapon movie (I recently watched it which is why this comes to mind.) Does the movie open with us learning everything about Riggs’s past? Are we told everything about Roger Murtaugh’s family? No, of course not. Yet, for some reason, the ‘author’ of this garbage feels a need to start chapter 2 with the entire backstory about the protagonist. Then, to compound this trash, the protagonist’s wife walks in to the room. And the author now tells us HER entire backstory! Give me a break!
We then learn the protagonist owns the plane that’s crashing from the first chapter. The comical part comes when the protagonist’s wife asks her husband, “Tell me about the 4 people on board.”
He now starts telling THEIR entire backstories! Give me a freakin’ break. If a middle school student did this in a Creative Writing class, their teacher would fail them.
Fail, as in what this ‘book’ is.
Lastly, I gave up after 11 pages. But in these 11 pages, the ‘author,’ (and I use that word lightly) gave us twelve—yes, TWELVE—names of characters!
In the first 11 pages, we meet:
Lauren,
Montero (not told if that’s a first name or last),
Michael,
Rick
Donavan (whose real name is Robert),
William,
Meredith,
Abigail,
Shannon,
Buckley
and Howard…who goes by the nickname Buck.
This book is about as enjoyable as a prostate exam. Absolute garbage. One star is way too many for this trash
I will now spend more time reviewing this novel than I spent reading it. There are good books, mediocre books, and bad books. Then there’s ‘Speed of Dawn’ which is a waste of the paper it’s written on. Had I not gotten this from the library, I would’ve thrown it across the room.
I only got through 12 pages before reaching my breaking point. I’ve had root canals more enjoyable.
The first chapter consists of a Gulfstream trapped in a meteor shower. The co-pilot is killed. The pilot is injured. There are holes in the fuselage. Both engines have flamed out. The plane is spiraling toward the earth at 300 MPH from 35,000 feet! Intense stuff, right? Then why are 2 of the passengers engaged in a long, wordy conversation. This is an exact excerpt from page 3 of this ‘book.’
“I couldn’t tell. The meteor vanished into the haze. I’m hoping it hit well out to sea. The second Michael levels off, we’re going up front to help Rick. Could you tell what happened to him—where he was hit?”
“I was standing at the galley, talking to both of them when there was that awful noise. Dozens of holes appeared in the roof like we’d been hit by a twelve gauge. All I saw was that Rick got hit in the back, near the right shoulder.”
Okay, call me crazy, but when a plane is falling from the sky at hundreds of miles per hour, I highly doubt people will have such drawn out conversations.
Another problem with this book is that it’s a cardinal rule to NOT give everyone’s backstory up front. Yet, that is what this author does. For example, in a Michael Connelly book, the first time we see Harry Bosch, Connelly doesn’t spend 3-4 pages telling us Harry’s life story. Even movies don’t do that. Take the first Lethal Weapon movie (I recently watched it which is why this comes to mind.) Does the movie open with us learning everything about Riggs’s past? Are we told everything about Roger Murtaugh’s family? No, of course not. Yet, for some reason, the ‘author’ of this garbage feels a need to start chapter 2 with the entire backstory about the protagonist. Then, to compound this trash, the protagonist’s wife walks in to the room. And the author now tells us HER entire backstory! Give me a break!
We then learn the protagonist owns the plane that’s crashing from the first chapter. The comical part comes when the protagonist’s wife asks her husband, “Tell me about the 4 people on board.”
He now starts telling THEIR entire backstories! Give me a freakin’ break. If a middle school student did this in a Creative Writing class, their teacher would fail them.
Fail, as in what this ‘book’ is.
Lastly, I gave up after 11 pages. But in these 11 pages, the ‘author,’ (and I use that word lightly) gave us twelve—yes, TWELVE—names of characters!
In the first 11 pages, we meet:
Lauren,
Montero (not told if that’s a first name or last),
Michael,
Rick
Donavan (whose real name is Robert),
William,
Meredith,
Abigail,
Shannon,
Buckley
and Howard…who goes by the nickname Buck.
This book is about as enjoyable as a prostate exam. Absolute garbage. One star is way too many for this trash
March 2, 2022
I've got mixed feeling on this series. The first three books were crazy fun, but the quality and creativity in each successive installment has dropped until we arrive here at Book 8, Speed the Dawn. Despite the disappointment, I've stuck with this series in the hopes that it'll bounce back to the heights of the original book, Category Five. As of late 2021 it's the last in the series, so I was hoping for a satisfying conclusion.
Speed the Dawn is a puzzle to me because on paper it has the pieces to be an exciting adventure - any book with a freak meteor shower resulting in devastation across California should be interesting. There's a tsunami, fires, explosions, gunfights.... all of these elements should make for a a gripping novel but for whatever reason it just doesn't work. It took me about two weeks to read this book because it just didn't draw me in or keep me engaged. Maybe because when it comes right down to it, Philip Donlay has been rehashing the same plot across most of this series. Take some disaster (hurricane, volcano, tsunami, terrorist plot, meteor shower) throw Nash or his wife Lauren into the middle of it and have them combine to come up with a brilliant plan to save the day using their company Eco-Watch and their seemingly never ending supply of planes and helicopters. Said plan typically involves Nash flying (and usually crashing) a plane somewhere, and there's almost always someone discovering and potentially exposing Nash's secret identity as an oil tycoon billionaire thought dead in a - you guessed it - plane crash.
So yeah, this just wasn't that interesting since the above summary is exactly what happens here. Nash is on the ground surrounded by fire, meteors, and explosions and Lauren comes up with some crazy scheme to save California from burning down. It's hard to care when you can predict what will occur so easily and it sucks any tension right out of the story. Maybe I'm just burned out on Donovan Nash and so I'm not appreciating this book on some level, but I can't recommend this or to be honest much of this series. Once you've read the first two, you have a blueprint which all that follow duplicate. There's no real series conclusion here, so it feels like there may be more Nash books in the future, but I won't be purchasing them. Disappointing.
Speed the Dawn is a puzzle to me because on paper it has the pieces to be an exciting adventure - any book with a freak meteor shower resulting in devastation across California should be interesting. There's a tsunami, fires, explosions, gunfights.... all of these elements should make for a a gripping novel but for whatever reason it just doesn't work. It took me about two weeks to read this book because it just didn't draw me in or keep me engaged. Maybe because when it comes right down to it, Philip Donlay has been rehashing the same plot across most of this series. Take some disaster (hurricane, volcano, tsunami, terrorist plot, meteor shower) throw Nash or his wife Lauren into the middle of it and have them combine to come up with a brilliant plan to save the day using their company Eco-Watch and their seemingly never ending supply of planes and helicopters. Said plan typically involves Nash flying (and usually crashing) a plane somewhere, and there's almost always someone discovering and potentially exposing Nash's secret identity as an oil tycoon billionaire thought dead in a - you guessed it - plane crash.
So yeah, this just wasn't that interesting since the above summary is exactly what happens here. Nash is on the ground surrounded by fire, meteors, and explosions and Lauren comes up with some crazy scheme to save California from burning down. It's hard to care when you can predict what will occur so easily and it sucks any tension right out of the story. Maybe I'm just burned out on Donovan Nash and so I'm not appreciating this book on some level, but I can't recommend this or to be honest much of this series. Once you've read the first two, you have a blueprint which all that follow duplicate. There's no real series conclusion here, so it feels like there may be more Nash books in the future, but I won't be purchasing them. Disappointing.
February 11, 2018
Set aside some time, because you won't be putting this book down. Philip Donlay and Donovan Nash are back and the action starts on the first page. A meteor breaks apart setting multiple fires in California. Donovan and his wife, Lauren - along with the EcoWatch crew - are in the thick of it (as usual for a Donovan Nash book), and are working toward finding a solution to this disaster. I appreciate the fact both male and female characters are strong, intelligent, resilient, and believable.
I've been reading Philip Donlay from the beginning, and I think this is his best book yet. There were a few books in the middle where I was getting tired of Donovan's angst and anger. Donovan has grown in the past few books, as has Lauren, and a number other characters. It is nice to see the characters just as capable and creative but without the emotional baggage that was dragging them down.
While the book follows a similar pattern of disaster, setbacks, and whether or not Donovan's secret will be revealed, Philip Donlay always manages to bring new layers and situations to his books. I appreciate seeing an author grow and develop as much as I appreciate seeing the characters develop. I look forward to the next book in the series. In the meantime, I'll be re-reading a few more times.
I received the ARC as part of an author giveaway with the request to write a review. I would have bought the book as soon as it came out, however. Philip Donlay is worth reading.
I've been reading Philip Donlay from the beginning, and I think this is his best book yet. There were a few books in the middle where I was getting tired of Donovan's angst and anger. Donovan has grown in the past few books, as has Lauren, and a number other characters. It is nice to see the characters just as capable and creative but without the emotional baggage that was dragging them down.
While the book follows a similar pattern of disaster, setbacks, and whether or not Donovan's secret will be revealed, Philip Donlay always manages to bring new layers and situations to his books. I appreciate seeing an author grow and develop as much as I appreciate seeing the characters develop. I look forward to the next book in the series. In the meantime, I'll be re-reading a few more times.
I received the ARC as part of an author giveaway with the request to write a review. I would have bought the book as soon as it came out, however. Philip Donlay is worth reading.
May 1, 2018
First I won this book off of LibraryThing give away.
I have never read any books by this other, but I was not disappointed in the book. Right from the start it was a run away. This is a fast passed thriller. It will keep you turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next.
This book is part of a series but it can be a stand alone book. The characters are well round and you can't but love them and cheer them on. The author makes you feel like you know each one of them
We meet Donovan, his wife Lauren who works for the government and the group they work with called the EcoWatch. They are in California when a giant meteor shower hits setting of fires. From there on a hell breaks loss and people are trying to get away. They try to work to find a way of controlling the fires and but them out. Also to save the lives of many of thousand of people trapped and no way out.
You need to hold on to your seat for a ride of your life. You will find yourself holding your breath. There where times I did not know if they would make it out. You will sit there and cheer for them and times you will cry for fear they would not make it out. I could not put it down because I had to know what would happen next.
I have never read any books by this other, but I was not disappointed in the book. Right from the start it was a run away. This is a fast passed thriller. It will keep you turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next.
This book is part of a series but it can be a stand alone book. The characters are well round and you can't but love them and cheer them on. The author makes you feel like you know each one of them
We meet Donovan, his wife Lauren who works for the government and the group they work with called the EcoWatch. They are in California when a giant meteor shower hits setting of fires. From there on a hell breaks loss and people are trying to get away. They try to work to find a way of controlling the fires and but them out. Also to save the lives of many of thousand of people trapped and no way out.
You need to hold on to your seat for a ride of your life. You will find yourself holding your breath. There where times I did not know if they would make it out. You will sit there and cheer for them and times you will cry for fear they would not make it out. I could not put it down because I had to know what would happen next.
February 22, 2018
I received a free ARC to review this book and was SO thrilled. My budget had recently had a major hit with required electrical work and I was worried how I was going to be able to afford any new books. Philip Donlay is one of my favorite authors, so this was like a belated Christmas present. Wahoo!
I dithered. I was in the midst of a major project and could spend the time to do anything but sleep, eat and work, but then the weather folks reported freezing rain for the next day and I expected to stay home from work. I opened Speed the Dawn and couldn't stop until it was done. Wow!
Slight spoilers:
It was exciting from the first chapter and never quit. Donovan Nash was being amazingly capable, as usual. (Nice to see a middle-aged hero.) His wife Lauren was just about the star, however, as she rallied governmental agencies and actually got them to work together for awhile! That's almost as amazing. lol The rest of the crew did their amazing daring do, as well. The whole story is thrilling and satisfying. The initial concept is a twist on an old theme, but Donlay manages to make it feel fresh with his own take, especially when the characters stave off a major disaster.
I dithered. I was in the midst of a major project and could spend the time to do anything but sleep, eat and work, but then the weather folks reported freezing rain for the next day and I expected to stay home from work. I opened Speed the Dawn and couldn't stop until it was done. Wow!
Slight spoilers:
It was exciting from the first chapter and never quit. Donovan Nash was being amazingly capable, as usual. (Nice to see a middle-aged hero.) His wife Lauren was just about the star, however, as she rallied governmental agencies and actually got them to work together for awhile! That's almost as amazing. lol The rest of the crew did their amazing daring do, as well. The whole story is thrilling and satisfying. The initial concept is a twist on an old theme, but Donlay manages to make it feel fresh with his own take, especially when the characters stave off a major disaster.
November 16, 2017
Speed the Dawn
Philip Donlay
WOW, what a wild ride. I'll have to get the first seven of these Donovan Nash books.
Speed the Dawn has everything that makes a top notch thriller.
Takes place in California. Starts with a meteor shower, that is full of small deadly particles, that disable Laurnes plane in flight. It also ignites several forest fires that threaten numerous small cities. If that is not enough, the meteor impact cuses a tidal wave.
This is one of those books you can't put down once you start. I had the kindle version and I carried my kindle with me all day. I just had to know what was happening. Would Donovan escape the firestorm? Would the biker looters find and kill him? could Lauren come up with a solution to put out the fires? You will have to read the book and find out. This is one of the best thrillers I have read in a long time.
I highly recommend it.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So glad I did.
Philip Donlay
WOW, what a wild ride. I'll have to get the first seven of these Donovan Nash books.
Speed the Dawn has everything that makes a top notch thriller.
Takes place in California. Starts with a meteor shower, that is full of small deadly particles, that disable Laurnes plane in flight. It also ignites several forest fires that threaten numerous small cities. If that is not enough, the meteor impact cuses a tidal wave.
This is one of those books you can't put down once you start. I had the kindle version and I carried my kindle with me all day. I just had to know what was happening. Would Donovan escape the firestorm? Would the biker looters find and kill him? could Lauren come up with a solution to put out the fires? You will have to read the book and find out. This is one of the best thrillers I have read in a long time.
I highly recommend it.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So glad I did.
April 22, 2018
If I owned a book store there would a section for books ideal for beach/pool/summer reading. This book Speed the dawn would be in that section.
Yes what happens in the “could happen” in real life, though probably not like it does in the book.
There is plenty of action and the main characters all seem to make it through in the end.
I have not read any of the previous books in this series, but the author does a good job of filling in backstory throughout the book.
Like all beach/pool/summer books you have to suspend some logic and belief as the events unfold, but is that a bad thing? These type of books are supposed to entertain you, and this book succeeds in doing that.
A meteor smashes into some satellites breaks apart and while taking out more satellites then everything begins to fall to earth, mostly in California and into the Pacific. You have massive fires, tsunamis, carnage, looting, government ineptness, and the hero group.
What is there not to like and enjoy.
I will definitely check out other books in the series.
Thank you to Oceanview books for the ARC copy of this book.
Yes what happens in the “could happen” in real life, though probably not like it does in the book.
There is plenty of action and the main characters all seem to make it through in the end.
I have not read any of the previous books in this series, but the author does a good job of filling in backstory throughout the book.
Like all beach/pool/summer books you have to suspend some logic and belief as the events unfold, but is that a bad thing? These type of books are supposed to entertain you, and this book succeeds in doing that.
A meteor smashes into some satellites breaks apart and while taking out more satellites then everything begins to fall to earth, mostly in California and into the Pacific. You have massive fires, tsunamis, carnage, looting, government ineptness, and the hero group.
What is there not to like and enjoy.
I will definitely check out other books in the series.
Thank you to Oceanview books for the ARC copy of this book.
January 16, 2018
Every Donovan Nash thriller that comes out becomes my favorite, and this one did not disappoint. How each book gets better and better is just shear genius! Chapter one, third sentence in, you are on the edge of your seat when hot meteor fragments are piercing the hull of the airplane and the people in it! Then by air, by sea, by land, he doesn’t let you go until the end of the book! The terror of being trapped, trying to find our loved ones, then trying escape with your lives, dealing with the injuries and the elements and the evil that disaster brings. The twists and turns in each leg of this adventure keeps you turning the next page to find out what happens next. Meanwhile Donovan’s wife, who is desperately trying to find her husband, is trying to save millions of lives with a plan if not executed property could kill millions, only to have the government turn on her. Fast moving, full of excitement, and the terror that comes with a natural disaster. You just can’t put it down!
April 13, 2018
This is the 8th book in the Donovan Nash series but my first. I won't bother with writing what this book is about because if you've gotten this far then you know. From the first paragraph I was hooked and knew that I would not be able to put this book down until I finished the last page. In the first couple of chapters there was enough back story that I knew who was who and who belong together. The characters are written in such a way that they practically jump off the pages and you immediately feel like you know them and like them. Every page had me sitting on the edge of my seat and I had to remind myself to relax. From the beginning to the end I was not disappointed. If you like an action packed book then this is the book to read. As I said this is my first Philip Donlay/Donovan Nash but I see the first 7 in my future as I now have another favorite author.
I received this from LibraryThing Early Reviewer for an honest review.
I received this from LibraryThing Early Reviewer for an honest review.
April 14, 2020
So happy to see this escapist and entertaining thriller re-issued! Donovan Nash reinvented himself from being a bad guy and now he's an eco-warrior. He did so with William's help so when a meteor shower strikes the US and creates a complete mess, his first instinct is to find and help him. Luckily, he's accompanied by Shannon. At the same time, Nash's wife Lauren is on a plane which has to land and, she's the one who comes up with plan to deal with the forest fires and tsunamis. Not the crazy town of violence though. This is totally over the top (let's hope) but these characters are great. Everyone is tough, strong, and determined to do their best. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier books (I've only read one)- this, by its nature, is fine as a standalone. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. A page turner that should take your mind off what's currently going on.
January 28, 2018
This book was so exciting! How does Philip Donlay make a few days so interesting every time?! I love the suspense and I really enjoy the details he puts in about each bump in the road the characters face. Those details make it real, pull you in, and take you away for hours. I stayed up until about 4 AM to finish this book - not a common occurrence for me. I got hooked on the pace and details and just had to finish. Fires in California, but add in weather, injuries, thugs, meteors, tsunamis, knowledge of Monterrey, etc. and it was perfectly entertaining. Yes you can read this book first! You don't have to read the Donovan Nash books (or should we say Lauren McKenna books) in order. They stand alone, but they don't repeat the backstory verbatim either.
July 8, 2018
Donovan Nash and his wife, Dr. Lauren McKenna are about to be separated by a wall of fire laid across California by fractured meteors and shattered satellites. The action is fast-paced and creates a vision of destruction that will keep you glued to the page as you hold your own breath, waiting to see what will happen next. Tsunamis, fire tornadoes and the institution of military law are not enough to stop Donovan and Lauren, along with the rest of their EcoWatch crew, from finding each other and coming to the rescue of hundreds of stranded survivors. Toss in a criminal, drug-raiding motorcycle gang and the shocking reveal of Donovan's true identity and this one keeps you going to the very last page.
My thanks to Librarything and Oceanview Publishing for sharing this title.
My thanks to Librarything and Oceanview Publishing for sharing this title.
October 11, 2017
This is Phil's 8th in the Donovan Nash series. What can I say? I have read every one of them and to say that each installment is an improvement is an understatement...how can he get any better?
Speed the Dawn takes off in break neck speed and never gives you a chance to take a breath and relax. Starting with a meteor shower, forest fires, this book has you on a fast ride from start to finish. The characters from previous books return and it sooo good to have them back again for this amazing ride.
Start with this 8th installment and you will be rushing back to the first one and follow Donovan's fast pace and you will enjoy meeting him and his wife Lauren. Enjoy
Speed the Dawn takes off in break neck speed and never gives you a chance to take a breath and relax. Starting with a meteor shower, forest fires, this book has you on a fast ride from start to finish. The characters from previous books return and it sooo good to have them back again for this amazing ride.
Start with this 8th installment and you will be rushing back to the first one and follow Donovan's fast pace and you will enjoy meeting him and his wife Lauren. Enjoy
March 19, 2018
Another "Edge of Your Seat" Thriller
I chose this book because I've read every Donovan Nash book and loved them all. Mr Conley never disappoints. All his books include everything I look forward to in a story: action packed, great friendships/family, just a great love story between Donovan and Lauren, storyline is always new and fresh, some laughter, some sadness, etc. Donovan is depicted as a nice human being not perfect and very lucky. Lauren is smart, capable, and devoted to Donovan. Montero is a favorite with great skills and always on top of ever and hopefully that doesn't change. So many great characters and so much loyalty. Looking forward to the next book.
I chose this book because I've read every Donovan Nash book and loved them all. Mr Conley never disappoints. All his books include everything I look forward to in a story: action packed, great friendships/family, just a great love story between Donovan and Lauren, storyline is always new and fresh, some laughter, some sadness, etc. Donovan is depicted as a nice human being not perfect and very lucky. Lauren is smart, capable, and devoted to Donovan. Montero is a favorite with great skills and always on top of ever and hopefully that doesn't change. So many great characters and so much loyalty. Looking forward to the next book.
August 12, 2018
No mystery here - this is just a fun, exciting read and I couldn’t put it down. The action starts right at the beginning and never stops. And Donlay manages to wrap it up decently at the end as well, which is often the failing of so many good action writers. They just don’t know how to bring it to a close - or at least one that makes any sense. AQnyway, the book’s a lot of fun and I recommend it. While it’s the eighth in the series, and (most of) the earlier ones are entertaining as well, it’s not at all necessary to read them to enjoy this. Again, if you like just plain exciting stories, I recommend this. -J.
December 28, 2017
Action and Adventure
Having loved Pegasus Down by this author, I was excited to pick up this book. Sadly it was not for me. Lots of drama and action, but I never got involved with the characters and found the dialogue rather stilted.
Though I failed to be drawn into the story, the plot is easy to follow. There is a very dramatic opening to the book, and throughout it is action packed and fast moving. I wonder whether if I had read more of the Donovan Nash books, I would have know the characters better, and therefore have enjoyed it more.
Having loved Pegasus Down by this author, I was excited to pick up this book. Sadly it was not for me. Lots of drama and action, but I never got involved with the characters and found the dialogue rather stilted.
Though I failed to be drawn into the story, the plot is easy to follow. There is a very dramatic opening to the book, and throughout it is action packed and fast moving. I wonder whether if I had read more of the Donovan Nash books, I would have know the characters better, and therefore have enjoyed it more.
March 16, 2018
High speed drama!
The Donovan Nash books by author Philip Donlay just seem to get better and better, with each successive book, seemingly, better than the last ... and his "Speed the Dawn" book continues this trend, the result being a highly-enjoyable read, replete with characters that I've grown to love, action I've become accustomed (and, admittedly, addicted) to, and a plot that got my attention from the opening paragraph of the book.
And, yes, Mr. Donlay, we'd love another book ( or 2 or 3 or 4 or more!) in this series ...please.
The Donovan Nash books by author Philip Donlay just seem to get better and better, with each successive book, seemingly, better than the last ... and his "Speed the Dawn" book continues this trend, the result being a highly-enjoyable read, replete with characters that I've grown to love, action I've become accustomed (and, admittedly, addicted) to, and a plot that got my attention from the opening paragraph of the book.
And, yes, Mr. Donlay, we'd love another book ( or 2 or 3 or 4 or more!) in this series ...please.
April 30, 2018
In an exciting tale of meteorites, death, destruction and love; Philip Donlay puts together a cast of characters who rely on each other but work independently to solve the nation’s newest crisis.
Lots of good, researched information on disasters, fires, floods and the like pop up in this story. The characters, all tied together in a family bond without blood, are all very well written.
The only thing I don’t like is this is the 8th Donovan Nash novel and now I have to backtrack and read the rest!
April 18, 2018
Terrific book. So, so hard to put down when it was time to sleep, it was however picked up and finished early the next morning. Exciting, all encompassing and a story that begins quickly and continues at high speed. This is a first read for me authored by Mr. Donlay and I am now in need of another. Highly recommended 5 star read.
November 21, 2018
Speed the Dawn!!! It flew by
I started reading this book when i went to bed. The next thing i knew was sun was coming up! I have gone threw 75% of the book by dawns early light. I could'nt put it down. I kept telling myself "one more chapter" this is a fantastic book. With loops and dives to keep you on your seat edge to the very end.
I started reading this book when i went to bed. The next thing i knew was sun was coming up! I have gone threw 75% of the book by dawns early light. I could'nt put it down. I kept telling myself "one more chapter" this is a fantastic book. With loops and dives to keep you on your seat edge to the very end.
December 25, 2018
Imagine white hot meteors hurtling towards Earth and striking near Monterey Bay, California causing fires that turn into fire tornadoes that could spread as far as the Bay Area and its millions of residents. The impact of a huge meteor causes a tsunami that kills hundreds. The power grid goes down and you are trapped with no way out. That is the basis for this wild ride of a story.
February 14, 2019
Breathtaking
Most unusual air crash story I have ever read. From that exciting scene, it continues relentlessly. Both human and nature problems come after Donovan. Really intensive scenes. Why do film makers rehash the same old garbage with remakes and sequels when they have such fantastic original material?
Most unusual air crash story I have ever read. From that exciting scene, it continues relentlessly. Both human and nature problems come after Donovan. Really intensive scenes. Why do film makers rehash the same old garbage with remakes and sequels when they have such fantastic original material?
July 10, 2022
The last book in the series at the moment. I just enjoying the series, hope there are more in the series. Its already 5 years after the last book.
This book back to the first book, a war against disaster. Now it's meteor shower, with an extinction danger. Rather science fiction, but overall the story still good enough.
This book back to the first book, a war against disaster. Now it's meteor shower, with an extinction danger. Rather science fiction, but overall the story still good enough.
February 21, 2023
Eight exceptional thrill rides
Philip Donlay has joined the ranks of my favorite authors. Every book in this series grabs you in the first few paragraphs and doesn't let go until an invariably thrilling conclusion. Great characters, great action, excellent writing and editing. You will not be disappointed.
Philip Donlay has joined the ranks of my favorite authors. Every book in this series grabs you in the first few paragraphs and doesn't let go until an invariably thrilling conclusion. Great characters, great action, excellent writing and editing. You will not be disappointed.
December 16, 2017
3.5/5.0
This action-packed narrative will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, turning page after page.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This action-packed narrative will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, turning page after page.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 14, 2017
Speed the Dawn is the eighth excellent thriller in the Donovan Nash series written by author Philip Donlay. It's fast-paced with nonstop action. I believe that I have a new favorite. Thanks to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for the advance copy.
March 2, 2018
Author Philip Donlay does not disappoint his fans. This is a get ahold of your seat and hold on, kind of book. Very suspenseful, fast paced and enough detail to make you feel knowledgeable of story line. Can’t wait for his next book! I’ve read all 8 of his Donovan Nash Novels.
March 19, 2018
Another Exciting Hit!
I love this series. Just when I thought the excitement had hit its climax, Philip writes Speed the Dawn! Just can't get enough of the Donovan Nash Thriller series. Bravo!
I love this series. Just when I thought the excitement had hit its climax, Philip writes Speed the Dawn! Just can't get enough of the Donovan Nash Thriller series. Bravo!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews