Lines

Saltwater Series #2

by James Russell

"The tension builds like a looming closeout set at Mullaghmore."
Luke Kennedy, editor, Tracks magazine

I go around to the back of the Jeep to get my wetsuit, and I see all twenty packages of cocaine heaped carelessly in the back, the popped black balloons still attached to them. I can’t believe Anto has just left them there like that. I can even see the ragged hole he put in one of them, and it scares the hell out of me. Not for the first time, I wonder how I ended up here.

Half a world from home, Sam falls under the spell of the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland, and the free-spirited and charismatic Anto. He quits his travels, and opts to stay. But living on the smell of an oily rag, Sam soon needs money, and he can’t resist the temptation when Anto offers easy cash to pick up the offshore shipments of cocaine for a brutal Dublin criminal gang. But when Sam makes an error of judgement, he sets in motion a series of events which spiral out of control, and he's caught in the middle.

"Gritty and intense"
Author Tom E. Moffatt

"Hold on!"
Bajapalm

"Gripping and completely immersive"
Justin Moor

136 pages, Hardcover

Published July 4, 2022

About the author

I am the author of the best-selling Dragon Brothers Trilogy of children's books (The Dragon Hunters, The Dragon Tamers and The Dragon Riders) and the best-selling, middle-grade novel series The Dragon Defenders (The Dragon Defenders, The Dragon Defenders – Book Two: The Pitbull Returns, The Dragon Defenders - Book Three: An Unfamiliar Place, The Dragon Defenders - Book Four: All Is Lost and The Dragon Defenders - Book Five: The Grand Opening.
I launch my first book for adults, entitled 'Mine - A Surfing Odyssey on North Sentinel Island' on June 1, 2021.
I live in Auckland with my wife and two young sons.

Reviews

[Briar Lomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read start to finish in a day. Such a solid story, and incredible imagery conjured up of the irish coast. The people want more James!

[Marco Milardi]

Some lines can get you high more than others, but they all get you in trouble.
Another gripping book by the author of 'Mine', this time set on the background of the Irish coast. If you think this book is only about surfing think again. Sure, you still have the masterful description of big surf you'd expect from the author, but also a good thriller and action story of two friends that risk all they have (and lose some) to get away from the place they were born in.
I did receive an advanced copy of this book, but my review is as honest as they come.

[Andrew Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense adventure through the gang lands and smashing surf of Ireland. Got locked in and couldn’t put it down. Left me dreaming about crazy Irishmen and dredging waves.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Literally couldn’t put it down! Great read!

[Rick Yeowart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another ripper from James. This time set in gloomy grey Ireland instead of the tropics.
You feel the cold, the danger, the love and the personalities. And of course the surf!!
Read it across a day. Just fantastic fun.

[Justin Moor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tense drama unfolds on the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland. Russell's gripping drama, great characterization and faithful capturing of the feel of the west coast of Ireland was a recipe for thoroughly enjoyable reading - my only complaint was I wish the book was twice as long. Russell has a knack for completely immersive storytelling and I wanted to stay immersed a while longer.

[Marcus Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another great read from James Russell. It grips you from the beginning and keeps you holding on tight till the end. The surf, travel, talk and turns of phrase used are very easy to relate to, giving the book a good mix of highs and lows which leave you wanting more. Highly recommended.

[Jason Dunham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much gnarlier, faster paced, and electric than his first surf related novel.
Mix the dream of perfect waves with the dangerous temptations of how to get them, add a dash of friendships, a line of relationships and a touch of violence and you might start to get a feel for this book.

[Nigel Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second surf adventure novel from the author that I have read. Another one that I just couldn't put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and like his first book, the story was so descriptive I could imagine the scenes in my mind as I read. Looking forwards to James's next book.

[Esther Collas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It made me feel at times as if I was in the waves with them. It's a book full of intrigue and delves into how easily you can go off track. So grab yourself a glass of wine or a cup of tea, whatever takes your fancy and buckle up for the ride.

[Nick Tibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real on the edge of your seat read. Gripping from start and building all the way to the end. Written with such graphic detail that I felt like I was in the book. Absolutely loved it! Eagerly waiting for the next book by this author.

[Flo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly great read, and disappointed there isn't more to flick through. In a completely different setting than "Mine", James takes us to charming Ireland in a fast paced and gripping novel.
Well done James, another great book ! 👏👏👏

[Tom Moffatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by James Russell, this time set on the west coast of Ireland. With its well-rounded characters and gritty, intense action, Lines was a true page-turning thriller. I can't wait for the next book in the Saltwater Series.

[Iain Hosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rollicking read, surf porn intertwined with a predictable storyline reminiscent of Point Break. Cowabunga dude. Easy read, I liked it, would read the other one (Mine). But didn't wow me... 3 feet and offshore.

[Dave Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read for the surf adventurer.

[Katherine Mcalpine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling page turner. Beautifully descriptive ocean scenes.