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Storm Seekers #1
Funnel Vision
Librarian Note: This is an alternate cover edition of ISBN: 9780984913909. The original cover edition is here.
Kansas photographer Judy Hale loves to chase storms, but at the heart of her passion is a fear she longs to quell, born of the tornado that destroyed her childhood. Devil-may-care tornado researcher Jack Andreas wants nothing better than to forget the past in his dangerously close encounters with twisters. After meeting on a chase, Judy and Jack have dueling destinies as they cross paths with Judy's flirty sister Shannon; clueless storm-tour operator Brad Treat; geeky, likable chaser Robinson Marvell; and a bevy of other storm chasers pursuing the gorgeous, violent storms of Tornado Alley. Their stories intertwine as they chase the monster storm that forces Judy to confront her deepest fears and Jack to find the courage to face the ultimate twister. With action, humor, romance and rapturous skies, "Funnel Vision" takes you into the heart of Tornado Alley -- and the hearts and minds of the adventurers who populate the nomadic, exhilarating world of storm chasing.
Kansas photographer Judy Hale loves to chase storms, but at the heart of her passion is a fear she longs to quell, born of the tornado that destroyed her childhood. Devil-may-care tornado researcher Jack Andreas wants nothing better than to forget the past in his dangerously close encounters with twisters. After meeting on a chase, Judy and Jack have dueling destinies as they cross paths with Judy's flirty sister Shannon; clueless storm-tour operator Brad Treat; geeky, likable chaser Robinson Marvell; and a bevy of other storm chasers pursuing the gorgeous, violent storms of Tornado Alley. Their stories intertwine as they chase the monster storm that forces Judy to confront her deepest fears and Jack to find the courage to face the ultimate twister. With action, humor, romance and rapturous skies, "Funnel Vision" takes you into the heart of Tornado Alley -- and the hearts and minds of the adventurers who populate the nomadic, exhilarating world of storm chasing.
284 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2012
6 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Chris Kridler
5 books16 followersChris Kridler is a writer, photographer and storm chaser, as well as the author of the novels
Funnel Vision,
Tornado Pinball
and
Zap Bang,
storm-chasing adventures in the Storm Seekers trilogy. She is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience whose videos have appeared on numerous television shows, and whose photographs have appeared in magazines and on book covers. She won the Best Documentary award at the 2011 Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival for her short film “Chasing Reality.” She lives on Florida's Space Coast.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 6, 2012
I won this book from Goodreads first reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
There are many strong points to this book. First, it is completely obvious to me that this author knows her storms and tornadoes. These images pop from the page, and anything to do with storm watching is completely believable. I feel like I am right there watching the storm next to the characters. She writes very well and her descriptions are lush and many times beautiful. I really liked the protagonist, Judy, and her good friend Robinson.
I had a couple of issues with the book, but this didn't change my rating of 4 stars because of the strengths mentioned above. First, while the author brought up great characters and great imagery, the main thing I was missing was a stronger plot. Events would happen and the characters would flow into those situations, but I was missing that specific journey. I believe that the author was trying to portray Judy's journey, and that this was her story. But I would have liked more.
Secondly, to me, Jack was a completely despicable character that I would be happy not to ever see again. I worry about his staying power. While I loved Judy and thought that I could see her carrying another book, I'm not sure Jack can. However, that is for future purposes.
Overall, I thought the book was very well written by someone who obviously knows her storms, and a very enjoyable read with a great heroine.
There are many strong points to this book. First, it is completely obvious to me that this author knows her storms and tornadoes. These images pop from the page, and anything to do with storm watching is completely believable. I feel like I am right there watching the storm next to the characters. She writes very well and her descriptions are lush and many times beautiful. I really liked the protagonist, Judy, and her good friend Robinson.
I had a couple of issues with the book, but this didn't change my rating of 4 stars because of the strengths mentioned above. First, while the author brought up great characters and great imagery, the main thing I was missing was a stronger plot. Events would happen and the characters would flow into those situations, but I was missing that specific journey. I believe that the author was trying to portray Judy's journey, and that this was her story. But I would have liked more.
Secondly, to me, Jack was a completely despicable character that I would be happy not to ever see again. I worry about his staying power. While I loved Judy and thought that I could see her carrying another book, I'm not sure Jack can. However, that is for future purposes.
Overall, I thought the book was very well written by someone who obviously knows her storms, and a very enjoyable read with a great heroine.
February 19, 2019
I’m a fan of storm chaser tales, although I often don’t expect a lot from them. Some authors are great with the science, but they leave something to be desired with the human content. This book does a good job of connecting both together. The science and chase scenes are well done, showing off the author’s clear knowledge of the subject. Yet, Kridler also creates complex human characters. While it’s not a masterpiece of development (I would love to see more of Robinson’s character), the core (pun intended?) characters are complicated and thoroughly human. This is an enjoyable tale that moves quickly across the Plains, and it leaves an impression because you feel like you got to know some of these chasers.
April 4, 2012
Being a storm chaser is exciting, challenging, and completely terrifying even for a seasoned professional. When Judy takes her small town photography career up a notch and moves from weddings to tornadoes anything may come blowing her away. More than something does happen when Judy meets Jack; the best in the storm chasing business passion for their work takes on a new meaning.
Jack shows Judy how to not only capture the photograph, but also recreate on film the intense emotion delivered with each storm. Jack is also interested in exploring Judy on a personal level. With all the background noise going on this adventure may be more difficult than figuring out which storm to chase.
Jack, Judy and a rag tag group of adrenaline junkies chase every storm they can are as devoted to each other as they are to catching the illusive "perfect storm.” People come in and out of the frame for Judy but consistently she knows that every member of the group have her back. Judy may be sailing through uncharted waters, but during the process of staying alive, she is out to pursue the money shot.
Chris Kridler has written a book that makes every reader feel as if they are standing on the side of the road experiencing the full effect of Mother Nature. Ms. Kridler knows how to perfectly characters, relationships, and the effect a storm has on everything.
Jack shows Judy how to not only capture the photograph, but also recreate on film the intense emotion delivered with each storm. Jack is also interested in exploring Judy on a personal level. With all the background noise going on this adventure may be more difficult than figuring out which storm to chase.
Jack, Judy and a rag tag group of adrenaline junkies chase every storm they can are as devoted to each other as they are to catching the illusive "perfect storm.” People come in and out of the frame for Judy but consistently she knows that every member of the group have her back. Judy may be sailing through uncharted waters, but during the process of staying alive, she is out to pursue the money shot.
Chris Kridler has written a book that makes every reader feel as if they are standing on the side of the road experiencing the full effect of Mother Nature. Ms. Kridler knows how to perfectly characters, relationships, and the effect a storm has on everything.
February 20, 2012
I won this book from goodreads giveaway....
I loved that it was not all about storm chasing. It has a romantic plot as well. I liked the characters, and I think the author developed the characters well. The writing was good. It was easy reading. No convoluted plots, sub-plots, too-large cast of characters to keep track of. Just the story, i like that. The way she described the scenery, almost made me want to take a trip to Kansas, which isn't exactly an exotic vacation destination, but the way she wrote it, I can imagine it, a beautiful place with beautiful scenery. The Author is actually a storm chaser, so the reader will be getting the real deal as far as the storms are concerned. I loved it!!
I loved that it was not all about storm chasing. It has a romantic plot as well. I liked the characters, and I think the author developed the characters well. The writing was good. It was easy reading. No convoluted plots, sub-plots, too-large cast of characters to keep track of. Just the story, i like that. The way she described the scenery, almost made me want to take a trip to Kansas, which isn't exactly an exotic vacation destination, but the way she wrote it, I can imagine it, a beautiful place with beautiful scenery. The Author is actually a storm chaser, so the reader will be getting the real deal as far as the storms are concerned. I loved it!!
September 7, 2024
I enjoyed the chasing story but did not like Jack's character at all. Would have liked to see more of Judy!
June 30, 2012
Ever wonder what motivates people to drive hundreds of miles around the Prairies to chase tornadoes, lightning, and other significant weather? If so, Funnel Vision by Chris Kidler, with its superbly written storm sequences, helps explain. Some of the characters in this novel do it for money, others for science, but they all seek the ultimate thrill, the “stormgasm.”
They were less than a mile away, and the view was so clear, it almost didn’t feel real. As her video rolled, Judy snapped a few shots with her still camera. The shutter sounded sluggish as it responded to the low light, so she cranked up the ISO to compensate. It shot faster this time, and she took about twenty more frames as the slender, white funnel connected with the dust now spinning on the ground. The tornado was a delicate conduit from the earth to the gods, its vaporous texture defying its power. Its snowy color shifted to russet as it ripped through a freshly plowed field northwest of them. At least there are no houses here, Judy thought, as the tornado eased northeast until it became nearly parallel with their position. It didn’t get big, just darker, and then it became more wispy until only a sinuous snake of condensation lifted away from the ground and spiralled into the clouds.
Judy Hale is a professional photographer and avid storm chaser whose fascination with storms grew out of a tornado that destroyed her hometown when she was young. She meets university researcher, Jack Andreas, on a chase. They develop an immediate attraction, as attractive people tend to do when participating in mutual, niche interests. Jack is a player, though, and discerns Judy’s desire for a relationship almost as quickly as he discerns Judy’s sister, Shannon, is more his type. Those two bolt, leaving Judy hurt, although not as devastated or angered as one might expect.
The connection between Jack and Shannon is electric and sustains the story until a tragedy occurs. Unfortunately, at this point, the plot seems to drift off and eventually lose its wind. Not a great deal happens, in dramatic terms, between storm seasons and the characters carry on their mundane lives. Judy, who ought to be affected by the tragedy in so many ways, seems paralyzed. Her reactions are stiff, passive, and too objective for a co-protagonist. The writing at these points seems forced, as if the good drama—and the crispest writing—has to wait until May and the next storm season.
Another storm season does come to save the day and the narration once again picks up to become highly engaging. The prose in these parts is fluid and the author does an admirable job of describing the action without distracting the reader with patronizing explanations.
It’s the weather that clearly dominates Funnel Vision. To the extent the human stories, when not surrounded by storms, struggle to match nature in impact. One notable exception is the levity provided by second-rate tour operator, Brad Treat of Thor’s Tours, whose bungling provides an amusing counter to the intensity of serious chasers like Judy and Jack.
Be sure to check out the author’s excellent website for some fascinating photos.
They were less than a mile away, and the view was so clear, it almost didn’t feel real. As her video rolled, Judy snapped a few shots with her still camera. The shutter sounded sluggish as it responded to the low light, so she cranked up the ISO to compensate. It shot faster this time, and she took about twenty more frames as the slender, white funnel connected with the dust now spinning on the ground. The tornado was a delicate conduit from the earth to the gods, its vaporous texture defying its power. Its snowy color shifted to russet as it ripped through a freshly plowed field northwest of them. At least there are no houses here, Judy thought, as the tornado eased northeast until it became nearly parallel with their position. It didn’t get big, just darker, and then it became more wispy until only a sinuous snake of condensation lifted away from the ground and spiralled into the clouds.
Judy Hale is a professional photographer and avid storm chaser whose fascination with storms grew out of a tornado that destroyed her hometown when she was young. She meets university researcher, Jack Andreas, on a chase. They develop an immediate attraction, as attractive people tend to do when participating in mutual, niche interests. Jack is a player, though, and discerns Judy’s desire for a relationship almost as quickly as he discerns Judy’s sister, Shannon, is more his type. Those two bolt, leaving Judy hurt, although not as devastated or angered as one might expect.
The connection between Jack and Shannon is electric and sustains the story until a tragedy occurs. Unfortunately, at this point, the plot seems to drift off and eventually lose its wind. Not a great deal happens, in dramatic terms, between storm seasons and the characters carry on their mundane lives. Judy, who ought to be affected by the tragedy in so many ways, seems paralyzed. Her reactions are stiff, passive, and too objective for a co-protagonist. The writing at these points seems forced, as if the good drama—and the crispest writing—has to wait until May and the next storm season.
Another storm season does come to save the day and the narration once again picks up to become highly engaging. The prose in these parts is fluid and the author does an admirable job of describing the action without distracting the reader with patronizing explanations.
It’s the weather that clearly dominates Funnel Vision. To the extent the human stories, when not surrounded by storms, struggle to match nature in impact. One notable exception is the levity provided by second-rate tour operator, Brad Treat of Thor’s Tours, whose bungling provides an amusing counter to the intensity of serious chasers like Judy and Jack.
Be sure to check out the author’s excellent website for some fascinating photos.
May 17, 2012
I’m always bummed when a book that I was looking forward to reading didn’t quite live up to the hype that I had placed on it. For me, Funnel Vision was one of those books. I have to admit, that since Twister, came out when I was in high school, I have been intrigued by storm chasers and what they do, and even considering getting into meteorology at one stage (unfortunately, my science grades in college were just not good enough). So when this book was offered up by the author in one of my goodreads groups, I was intrigued. The premise sounded entertaining, and since it was based on the authors experiences, I figured it would be a good read. Here is, for me, where it splits…the story regarding the storm chasing itself, I really liked. I thought that the author did a good job of detailing the adrenaline that these chasers must feel – both the official ones and the non-official “Weekend Chasers” (I don’t know if that is the right term, but it works for me). I think I might have enjoyed it more, if the drama of some of the characters lives had just been completely left out of it (and this is coming from someone who is an avid romance reader – yes, I admit it).
It was mostly the character interactions on the personal level that bugged me the most. When I see the phrase in a description, “sparks fly” I am expecting some kind of tension, interaction, development of a relationship, but for me, it was more like sparks fizzle. That and the development of the character as a skirt-chasing playboy – just pissed me off. Especially when you think that . I also threw the book across the room at that point, I was so fustrated. Yes, I know that it wasn’t specifically marketed as a romance, but the description kind of led me to expect more. I guess if you don’t like the touchy-feeley romance stuff, you might like it, but if you are a romance reader, I would avoid it (and I don’t say that lightly). I also had an issue with how an issue played out later in the book, but I am waiting on a response from some law enforcement friends with an answer to my question before I vent…but essentially
But I am having a hard time rating this book, I would probably only give it 2.5 stars overall, mostly because of the issues that I mentioned above – but at the same time, it was very well written and you could tell how much the author knew about the topic, so I am conflicted. I may end up changing my review, but right now, I am going to leave it at 2.5 stars. But I am curious about what the author might write in the future.
It was mostly the character interactions on the personal level that bugged me the most. When I see the phrase in a description, “sparks fly” I am expecting some kind of tension, interaction, development of a relationship, but for me, it was more like sparks fizzle. That and the development of the character as a skirt-chasing playboy – just pissed me off. Especially when you think that . I also threw the book across the room at that point, I was so fustrated. Yes, I know that it wasn’t specifically marketed as a romance, but the description kind of led me to expect more. I guess if you don’t like the touchy-feeley romance stuff, you might like it, but if you are a romance reader, I would avoid it (and I don’t say that lightly). I also had an issue with how an issue played out later in the book, but I am waiting on a response from some law enforcement friends with an answer to my question before I vent…but essentially
But I am having a hard time rating this book, I would probably only give it 2.5 stars overall, mostly because of the issues that I mentioned above – but at the same time, it was very well written and you could tell how much the author knew about the topic, so I am conflicted. I may end up changing my review, but right now, I am going to leave it at 2.5 stars. But I am curious about what the author might write in the future.
March 8, 2013
Having grown up in Missouri on the outskirts of tornado alley, I have always been fascinated by both the storms that produce tornadoes, and of late, the people who put themselves in the path of these storms. No surprise, then, that I jumped at the chance to read Chris Kridler's novel about storm chasers. Although Funnel Vision is Ms. Kridler's debut novel, she is no stranger to writing. I am always interested to see how well an established journalist can transition to the world of fiction. In the case of this author, I would say her foray into fiction is a success on the whole. The book is both well written and well researched. You can certainly tell the the author understands all aspects of her subject. Her knowledge of both the science of the storms and the technology and science used by the storm chasers is excellent. Not being either a meteorologist or a storm chaser myself, though, I did find myself up to my eyeballs in terms that were unfamiliar to me at the beginning of the book. With the help of a dictionary and as the story progressed, though, I found this to be less and less of an issue.
The strongest part of the book for me was the story of the storm chasers. As a storm chaser herself, the author was able to capture the passion, bordering on obsession, that storm chasers feel for the storms. I especially liked the way that she used her characters to showcase the various levels that passion. As a nature photographer myself, I found Judy's descriptions of the colors and visual manifestations of the storms was amazing. I was also mesmerized by Jack's obsession with the storms and being smack in the middle of things. And then there was Robinson, who excellently illustrated the middle ground between the two.
Where the book fell a bit for me was in the stories of the characters personal lives. As others have said, I would have been totally happy if the romance part of the story line had been left out altogether. I will admit, I am not a romance reader in general. Therefore I appreciated the fact that the romantic elements of this story took backstage to the storm chasing story line. But, in fact, I would rather the author had spent the time discussing the backgrounds of the characters that led to their passion for storm chasing instead of just alluding to them. I felt the whole Jack-Shannon story line did not fit into the book at all.
In general, though, I enjoyed this read, especially the last part of the book that mostly just dealt with storm chasing. For that reason, I am looking forward to reading the second book by this author,Tornado Pinball and I would give this book a solid 3 stars, maybe even 3.5.
The strongest part of the book for me was the story of the storm chasers. As a storm chaser herself, the author was able to capture the passion, bordering on obsession, that storm chasers feel for the storms. I especially liked the way that she used her characters to showcase the various levels that passion. As a nature photographer myself, I found Judy's descriptions of the colors and visual manifestations of the storms was amazing. I was also mesmerized by Jack's obsession with the storms and being smack in the middle of things. And then there was Robinson, who excellently illustrated the middle ground between the two.
Where the book fell a bit for me was in the stories of the characters personal lives. As others have said, I would have been totally happy if the romance part of the story line had been left out altogether. I will admit, I am not a romance reader in general. Therefore I appreciated the fact that the romantic elements of this story took backstage to the storm chasing story line. But, in fact, I would rather the author had spent the time discussing the backgrounds of the characters that led to their passion for storm chasing instead of just alluding to them. I felt the whole Jack-Shannon story line did not fit into the book at all.
In general, though, I enjoyed this read, especially the last part of the book that mostly just dealt with storm chasing. For that reason, I am looking forward to reading the second book by this author,Tornado Pinball and I would give this book a solid 3 stars, maybe even 3.5.
July 9, 2012
OK, let me say that I am not a romance girl...at all! However, this book is what I love about indie authors. This book was unique in that it was inside the heads of storm chasers (something I put up their with sky diving-fascinating, but why would I put myself in the path of a storm). So, I found the supporting scenes fascinating and it really kept my interest going in the book. I must admit that the romance I could have taken or left, but the author wrote it in such a fashion, that it didn't beat the reader over the head.
Another bonus is that the book is incredibly well written, started right out of the gate and had generally likable characters. As I mentioned previously, I loved the scenes where the author described the storms. It was evident that she herself is a storm chaser.
In my opinion, I would like to have seen more storm chasin' stuff. I thought it was a tad heavy on the romance, not horribly heavy, but a tad heavy. I think if the author could pull that off, this would be a series that even guys or romance grimacers such as myself would fall for.
Another bonus is that the book is incredibly well written, started right out of the gate and had generally likable characters. As I mentioned previously, I loved the scenes where the author described the storms. It was evident that she herself is a storm chaser.
In my opinion, I would like to have seen more storm chasin' stuff. I thought it was a tad heavy on the romance, not horribly heavy, but a tad heavy. I think if the author could pull that off, this would be a series that even guys or romance grimacers such as myself would fall for.
May 4, 2012
A maelstrom of emotions. This sophisticated multi-level tale will give you much to ponder. Entertaining and thoughtful, a good read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews