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Wild Horizon
When a series of late-winter storms hits the annual Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska, bush pilot Ben Helm gambles on a break in the weather to fly two dropped dogs and two race personnel to the checkpoint at Unalakleet. But the conditions worsen, and a catastrophic mid-flight accident forces Ben to ditch on the landfast ice somewhere in the Bering Sea.
Stranded, with no communications and only limited supplies, the three survivors, with their two canine companions, must try to ride out the storms and stay alive long enough for a rescue party to find them. Katja, a young trainee vet from Norway, and Obie, an optimistic race judge, come to rely on Ben’s survival grit and knowhow. Despite a personal childhood tragedy, he’s never forgotten the vital lessons his mother taught him.
But the frozen wild is an unforgiving place. A series of fateful events, encounters and opportunities forces the survivors to repeatedly take all-or-nothing risks to reach civilization. A lost musher and her team provide much-needed dog power, but no bearings. Meanwhile, a lone hunter who comes to their aid might not be who he says he is. And with seemingly no end to the tundra, the wild horizon dares man and dog alike to dig deep in order to survive the trek of their lives.
Stranded, with no communications and only limited supplies, the three survivors, with their two canine companions, must try to ride out the storms and stay alive long enough for a rescue party to find them. Katja, a young trainee vet from Norway, and Obie, an optimistic race judge, come to rely on Ben’s survival grit and knowhow. Despite a personal childhood tragedy, he’s never forgotten the vital lessons his mother taught him.
But the frozen wild is an unforgiving place. A series of fateful events, encounters and opportunities forces the survivors to repeatedly take all-or-nothing risks to reach civilization. A lost musher and her team provide much-needed dog power, but no bearings. Meanwhile, a lone hunter who comes to their aid might not be who he says he is. And with seemingly no end to the tundra, the wild horizon dares man and dog alike to dig deep in order to survive the trek of their lives.
176 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2022
About the author
Robert Appleton
63 books74 followersRobert Appleton is a British science fiction and adventure author partial to tales of survival in far-flung locations. Many of his sci-fi books share the same universe as his popular Alien Safari series, though tend to feature standalone storylines. His rebellious characters range from an orphaned grifter on Mars to a lone woman gate-crashing the war in her biotech suit. His sci-fi readers regularly earn enough frequent flyer miles to qualify for a cross-galaxy voyage of their choosing. His publishers include Harlequin Carina Press, and he also ghost-writes novels in other genres. In his free time he hikes, plays soccer, and kayaks whenever he can. The night sky is his inspiration.
His work has been nominated for several awards, and in 2011 he won the EPIC Award for Best Historical Fiction.
Be sure to follow Robert on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://bit.ly/3qLWVHu
His work has been nominated for several awards, and in 2011 he won the EPIC Award for Best Historical Fiction.
Be sure to follow Robert on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://bit.ly/3qLWVHu
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 1, 2026
This was so much fun!!! Would make a great movie!! I naturally wish it was longer than what it was but it had some of my favorite things. Survival, winter thriller and sled dogs. I loved the dogs so much I want to find other books with sled dogs now. Ate it up!
May 22, 2022
Wild Horizon by Robert Appleton
This was the first story I’ve read by Mr. Appleton and I thoroughly enjoyed his writing style, dialogue, and the action pieces he delivered in Wild Horizon. Plot moved at just the right pace, not too fast and not too slow. It kept me hooked and dialed in by the author’s use of thrilling set pieces, human characters with human problems, and an interesting knowledge of bush piloting and snow dog sledding. There was never a part in the book where I felt like something was misplaced or bogged down the narrative too much. The layout did not lack purpose.
The theme of loyalty, regret, and personal growth among other themes were touched on lightly without pulling away from the action or slowing down the pace to a detrimental level. An overall hopeful message was delivered with expertise and no melodrama.
The characters were likable in their own way, but more importantly they were believable with flaws. It was easy to root for them during their thrilling journey where things seemed to get worse as the story progressed. They were given plenty of conflict, smart dialogue, and a rich background to make them come to life and not bore.
Appleton has a writing style that’s straight to the point. It’s a writing style that squeezes the emotion right out of you whether that’s joy, sadness, or elation from a well written sentence or paragraph. He pulls no punches.
All in all Wild Horizon by Robert Appleton was an easy read that held my attention throughout its short length. It touched on everything a novel double or triple its size does and delivered it in a way that makes this a must read, must buy, and must tell somebody about.
This was the first story I’ve read by Mr. Appleton and I thoroughly enjoyed his writing style, dialogue, and the action pieces he delivered in Wild Horizon. Plot moved at just the right pace, not too fast and not too slow. It kept me hooked and dialed in by the author’s use of thrilling set pieces, human characters with human problems, and an interesting knowledge of bush piloting and snow dog sledding. There was never a part in the book where I felt like something was misplaced or bogged down the narrative too much. The layout did not lack purpose.
The theme of loyalty, regret, and personal growth among other themes were touched on lightly without pulling away from the action or slowing down the pace to a detrimental level. An overall hopeful message was delivered with expertise and no melodrama.
The characters were likable in their own way, but more importantly they were believable with flaws. It was easy to root for them during their thrilling journey where things seemed to get worse as the story progressed. They were given plenty of conflict, smart dialogue, and a rich background to make them come to life and not bore.
Appleton has a writing style that’s straight to the point. It’s a writing style that squeezes the emotion right out of you whether that’s joy, sadness, or elation from a well written sentence or paragraph. He pulls no punches.
All in all Wild Horizon by Robert Appleton was an easy read that held my attention throughout its short length. It touched on everything a novel double or triple its size does and delivered it in a way that makes this a must read, must buy, and must tell somebody about.
May 24, 2022
Exciting survival adventure
After their plane goes down in a storm, bush pilot Ben and his human and canine passengers face a grueling fight for survival against the hostile Alaskan territory.
This survival adventure is so well written I felt I was with Ben and co experiencing their ordeal rather than reading about it.
The pacing of this novella was spot on. As each hurdle was navigated, another one popped up, and there was no repetition of the problems they had to overcome. I couldn’t put down the book, I had to keep reading to discover what happened next.
The characters were all very well drawn and realistic. I liked their conversations and how they got to know each other. It felt very organic and natural. Ben’s back story added depth to his character and a satisfying emotional arc to the tale.
The dogs were great and I loved reading about the details of the sled race. It gave me the feeling of wilderness adventure books I loved reading as a child, but with modern sensibilities. Dirk was a great character, and I loved how his bond developed with Ben.
An exciting read that I highly recommend.
After their plane goes down in a storm, bush pilot Ben and his human and canine passengers face a grueling fight for survival against the hostile Alaskan territory.
This survival adventure is so well written I felt I was with Ben and co experiencing their ordeal rather than reading about it.
The pacing of this novella was spot on. As each hurdle was navigated, another one popped up, and there was no repetition of the problems they had to overcome. I couldn’t put down the book, I had to keep reading to discover what happened next.
The characters were all very well drawn and realistic. I liked their conversations and how they got to know each other. It felt very organic and natural. Ben’s back story added depth to his character and a satisfying emotional arc to the tale.
The dogs were great and I loved reading about the details of the sled race. It gave me the feeling of wilderness adventure books I loved reading as a child, but with modern sensibilities. Dirk was a great character, and I loved how his bond developed with Ben.
An exciting read that I highly recommend.
June 9, 2022
This book is an absolute adrenaline-fueled ride that will have you on the edge of your seat page after page. Set in Alaska during the annual Iditarod sled dog race, it is the story of Ben Helm, a young bush pilot who is conveying two human passengers - Katja, a young, sick trainee vet from Norway, and Obie, an optimistic race judge and two sled dogs to the Unalakleet checkpoint. But a storm brings his plane down on ice in the Bering Sea.
From that moment on it is a race against death and the three survivors, along with the dogs—Dirk and Valerie—and a lost musher with her dog team who joins forces with them, have to summon everything they can to make out of the wilds and back to civilisation. Not only against the elements but against a possible threat from a hunter they meet.
I adored this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat until I reached the last page. Not only does the author have his characters battling the harsh conditions but he throws in a mystery to heighten the excitement.
It is well written. The pacing is excellent and it is one of the best action-adventure novels I have read in a long time. Five stars all the way.
From that moment on it is a race against death and the three survivors, along with the dogs—Dirk and Valerie—and a lost musher with her dog team who joins forces with them, have to summon everything they can to make out of the wilds and back to civilisation. Not only against the elements but against a possible threat from a hunter they meet.
I adored this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat until I reached the last page. Not only does the author have his characters battling the harsh conditions but he throws in a mystery to heighten the excitement.
It is well written. The pacing is excellent and it is one of the best action-adventure novels I have read in a long time. Five stars all the way.
May 4, 2022
An entertaining read.
I haven’t read this author before, and I’m glad I gave this book a chance. It feels true to life and well researched, and I would say the writer knows his stuff. The story starts with bush pilot, Ben Helm, as he struggles to land in inclement weather. The Iditarod sledding race sets a great backdrop and parallel narrative to the adventures that unfold.
“An old Cessna 180 Skywagon tottered into its descent toward Takotna’s frozen landing strip.” … from this opening line, the reader is taken on a few wild rides throughout the Alaskan landscape and the brutalities that both nature and man can throw at you.
Apart from numerous typos that detract from the read somewhat, I enjoyed this book a lot. I bonded with the characters and the world building and even fell in love with the dogs. Some areas could do with a stripping down of too much information, such as “He took a swig of his 7UP then fired up his refitted six-cylinder 230 hp, Continental 0-470 engine.” … This level of detail takes away the otherwise well-drawn tension.
Some wonderful humour threads throughout the tension and suspense and adds greatly to the rapport between the characters. I’ll definitely be checking out other novellas by this writer, and Wild Horizon gets a solid 3.5 stars from me, rounded up to four for rating purposes. If you enjoy action/adventure, then you want to take a look at Robert Appleton books.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
I haven’t read this author before, and I’m glad I gave this book a chance. It feels true to life and well researched, and I would say the writer knows his stuff. The story starts with bush pilot, Ben Helm, as he struggles to land in inclement weather. The Iditarod sledding race sets a great backdrop and parallel narrative to the adventures that unfold.
“An old Cessna 180 Skywagon tottered into its descent toward Takotna’s frozen landing strip.” … from this opening line, the reader is taken on a few wild rides throughout the Alaskan landscape and the brutalities that both nature and man can throw at you.
Apart from numerous typos that detract from the read somewhat, I enjoyed this book a lot. I bonded with the characters and the world building and even fell in love with the dogs. Some areas could do with a stripping down of too much information, such as “He took a swig of his 7UP then fired up his refitted six-cylinder 230 hp, Continental 0-470 engine.” … This level of detail takes away the otherwise well-drawn tension.
Some wonderful humour threads throughout the tension and suspense and adds greatly to the rapport between the characters. I’ll definitely be checking out other novellas by this writer, and Wild Horizon gets a solid 3.5 stars from me, rounded up to four for rating purposes. If you enjoy action/adventure, then you want to take a look at Robert Appleton books.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
July 12, 2022
Who doesn’t love a disaster film or a survival story? Dirk and Valerie are my heroes of ‘Wild Horizon’ by Robert Appleton. While protagonist Ben Helm and his two passengers, a Norwegian vet and an unwanted race judge, are central to this disaster story, the two dogs bring the narrative to life.
Starting at the beginning, ‘Wild Horizon’ has a great cover: Cessna, snow and sled dogs. Ben finds himself in a series of challenging situations but falls back on advice from his Ma,“Food, water and shelter are vital, yes, but your pa and I have already shown you how to get those.… The bigger problem is how to get yourself out of the survival situation.” Will Ben manage to fly passengers Katja and Obie to safety? Or will they die in the frozen wastes of the Bering Sea? Especially when they have to leave the ice and swim. “If you don’t, you’ll die.”
Appleton develops his characters as he develops their relationships. For all his youth, Ben is a natural leader, drawing on the wisdom of his family as he fights for everyone’s lives. He rises to every challenge the harsh north throws at him, and the impact he has on doggie Dirk is heart-warming.
Appleton occasionally belabours his point or gets swept up in technical description, but other readers may find that endearing. ‘Wild Horizon’ is a short book. In places, that detail could have been sacrificed for more exposition of the characters’ emotional anguish. But it’s not all gruelling hard-slog; there are startling moments of tenderness and humour. “Wild Horizons” is clearly well-researched, and its themes are carefully mapped out to evolve with the narrative.
There is little respite from each challenge Ben and his wards face. It sometimes feels that each situation fits neatly into the next, like a series of survival games. However, the introduction of a human antagonist means it’s not just the horrendous weather that is their foe, adding something unexpected and making for a great ending. Unfortunately, there is a movie-style “One year later…” final chapter, which, while it has its charm, might not be entirely necessary for readers who don’t need to know everyone lives happily ever after.
Starting at the beginning, ‘Wild Horizon’ has a great cover: Cessna, snow and sled dogs. Ben finds himself in a series of challenging situations but falls back on advice from his Ma,“Food, water and shelter are vital, yes, but your pa and I have already shown you how to get those.… The bigger problem is how to get yourself out of the survival situation.” Will Ben manage to fly passengers Katja and Obie to safety? Or will they die in the frozen wastes of the Bering Sea? Especially when they have to leave the ice and swim. “If you don’t, you’ll die.”
Appleton develops his characters as he develops their relationships. For all his youth, Ben is a natural leader, drawing on the wisdom of his family as he fights for everyone’s lives. He rises to every challenge the harsh north throws at him, and the impact he has on doggie Dirk is heart-warming.
Appleton occasionally belabours his point or gets swept up in technical description, but other readers may find that endearing. ‘Wild Horizon’ is a short book. In places, that detail could have been sacrificed for more exposition of the characters’ emotional anguish. But it’s not all gruelling hard-slog; there are startling moments of tenderness and humour. “Wild Horizons” is clearly well-researched, and its themes are carefully mapped out to evolve with the narrative.
There is little respite from each challenge Ben and his wards face. It sometimes feels that each situation fits neatly into the next, like a series of survival games. However, the introduction of a human antagonist means it’s not just the horrendous weather that is their foe, adding something unexpected and making for a great ending. Unfortunately, there is a movie-style “One year later…” final chapter, which, while it has its charm, might not be entirely necessary for readers who don’t need to know everyone lives happily ever after.
July 10, 2022
I ended up learning much from this book about survival in inhospitable environments, which isn't why I picked it, but was a nice addition. It's an entertaining story that I found a bit slow at the start, only because as I got to know the characters: Ben, Katja and Obie, I thought it got a bit bogged down in the backstory, though about halfway through really picked up. Appleton really showed the dangers the trio and their dogs were facing after they found themselves stranded in the harsh Alaskan climate, particularly when forced to swim in arctic conditions to survive. Normally I'm not a fan of stuttering in books, as authors can overuse this technique to show nervousness; but Appleton used this well in this novella, as it really highlighted how painfully cold it was for Ben and co. after swimming in ice water. One of my favourite moments was when Ben came to terms with a tragic event from his past, including an almost dreamlike scene where he had a hallucination out in the snow. Since Ben, as a bush pilot, spent so much of the book guiding others physically through the hostile environment, it was a welcome counterpoint when his companions could support him emotionally as he aired the tragedy he'd carried since childhood. The best part of the book for me was after the introduction of Gaunt, who Ben and Katja were both suspicious of from the start. From here on out, just over halfway through, I couldn't stop reading. There was a bit of info dumping towards the end in how the Gaunt storyline was wrapped up, which was alright though I would've preferred a bit more scene setting to show this rather than having it told. Other than that however, this was an enjoyable story.
July 10, 2022
Great Adventure in the 49th State:
I thoroughly enjoyed Wild Horizon from cover to cover. The non-stop action was terrific, all the wild fallouts of living and travelling in the state of Alaska, and plus a writing style that was top of the line. Mr. Appleton is a great story teller, character creator, and leads you through a mind-blowing novel where the protagonist, a bush pilot, Ben Helm.
I like several parts of the story, specifically, - How the characters tried in vain to live with Obie’s tragic death, Ben’s constant knowledge of what to do in the wild using his mother’s advice from years prior, which help steer him through every catastrophe that he and the group faced, Katja and Obie surprise jump into the killer, icy waters of Alaska (which, was amazing that the author had characters that survived such an endeavor).
It was very interesting how the author introduced into the story, of what might be the antagonist (or was the antagonist the Alaskan wilderness?), Gaunt, and how he played out Gaunt wanting to help the group, but in the end, he had other ideas for Ben and the rest
Gem was also a great character as the Middle Aged, professional musher who becomes a savior to the group, as well as a support mechanism for Ben and all the others.
The ending was a nice addition to the story, which really wrapped the whole story of the Iditarod race in Alaska.
I’ll probably buy some more of Appleton’s great adventure stories. Well done. Bravo.
I thoroughly enjoyed Wild Horizon from cover to cover. The non-stop action was terrific, all the wild fallouts of living and travelling in the state of Alaska, and plus a writing style that was top of the line. Mr. Appleton is a great story teller, character creator, and leads you through a mind-blowing novel where the protagonist, a bush pilot, Ben Helm.
I like several parts of the story, specifically, - How the characters tried in vain to live with Obie’s tragic death, Ben’s constant knowledge of what to do in the wild using his mother’s advice from years prior, which help steer him through every catastrophe that he and the group faced, Katja and Obie surprise jump into the killer, icy waters of Alaska (which, was amazing that the author had characters that survived such an endeavor).
It was very interesting how the author introduced into the story, of what might be the antagonist (or was the antagonist the Alaskan wilderness?), Gaunt, and how he played out Gaunt wanting to help the group, but in the end, he had other ideas for Ben and the rest
Gem was also a great character as the Middle Aged, professional musher who becomes a savior to the group, as well as a support mechanism for Ben and all the others.
The ending was a nice addition to the story, which really wrapped the whole story of the Iditarod race in Alaska.
I’ll probably buy some more of Appleton’s great adventure stories. Well done. Bravo.
May 12, 2022
Like the characters in this book (then literally, me figuratively) I was lost when I picked up Wild Horizon by Robert Appleton. I soon found my flow and it made for a very enjoyable read. The world of sled dog racing in the Alaskan mountains is a subject I have never heard of before, but it is steeped in culture and tradition and all the technical terms are laid out in a wonderful way that allows the reader to really engage with the story. This was why I was lost at first however I soon found me way.
The main character is Ben Helm who is talented and devoted in his field. He is an admirable lead and a survivalist to the core, and his meddle is truly tested throughout their ordeal. Katja and Obie serve as great secondary characters who come into their own, despite being far less experienced than Ben. I liked their introductions to the story and their comradery, which was well developed and made them into a great team. The location itself is steeped in danger and I loved the descriptions of a beautiful but relentless landscape. And those dogs were very good dogs indeed! It was wonderful to see the care the team took over them.
There is a brilliantly crafted criminal element to the book and the antagonists really add a level of depth and mystery that Ben must tackle. I liked the ending to the book and it leaves me hoping we see more of Ben in future books.
The main character is Ben Helm who is talented and devoted in his field. He is an admirable lead and a survivalist to the core, and his meddle is truly tested throughout their ordeal. Katja and Obie serve as great secondary characters who come into their own, despite being far less experienced than Ben. I liked their introductions to the story and their comradery, which was well developed and made them into a great team. The location itself is steeped in danger and I loved the descriptions of a beautiful but relentless landscape. And those dogs were very good dogs indeed! It was wonderful to see the care the team took over them.
There is a brilliantly crafted criminal element to the book and the antagonists really add a level of depth and mystery that Ben must tackle. I liked the ending to the book and it leaves me hoping we see more of Ben in future books.
May 8, 2022
A fun ride through an untamed land
I don’t often judge books by covers, but there was something about a small plane hurtling through the snow with ragged-looking sled dogs underneath it that appealed to me. When I read the description of Wild Horizon by Robert Appleton, it sounded too good to pass up.
And it was a fun read. The sense of foreboding Appleton incorporates at the start of the book, related to whether or not bush pilot Ben Helm would take two passengers into the sky under questionable weather conditions, was nerve wracking. Similarly, once the threesome were thousands of feet up in the air, my eyes were glued to the pages. That scene and the portion at the start in which ice breaks and they must swim to safety were my favorite moments.
Once grounded and fighting to stay alive in the vast, wintry Alaskan landscape, Ben and his cohorts stumble into more mayhem and must use their guts and wits to survive. Along the way, Appleton does a good job of inserting poignant dialogue as the characters get to know one another and bond for life. This is an action-packed, feel-good story that made me want to read more by this author.
I don’t often judge books by covers, but there was something about a small plane hurtling through the snow with ragged-looking sled dogs underneath it that appealed to me. When I read the description of Wild Horizon by Robert Appleton, it sounded too good to pass up.
And it was a fun read. The sense of foreboding Appleton incorporates at the start of the book, related to whether or not bush pilot Ben Helm would take two passengers into the sky under questionable weather conditions, was nerve wracking. Similarly, once the threesome were thousands of feet up in the air, my eyes were glued to the pages. That scene and the portion at the start in which ice breaks and they must swim to safety were my favorite moments.
Once grounded and fighting to stay alive in the vast, wintry Alaskan landscape, Ben and his cohorts stumble into more mayhem and must use their guts and wits to survive. Along the way, Appleton does a good job of inserting poignant dialogue as the characters get to know one another and bond for life. This is an action-packed, feel-good story that made me want to read more by this author.
February 5, 2026
I liked the storyline and was genuinely interested throughout the whole thing, but I was always left feeling like I wanted *more*. I can't quite put my finger on it....more character background? More drama or descriptions of the minutiae of survival? Overall great story and would be interested in reading any subsequent novels, though this is a pretty good standalone imo. Well-researched information as well, from what I can tell, which a nitpicky person like me really appreciates.
October 3, 2025
Live the Dream
What sn exciting story! Appleton, one of my very favorite authors has written a stunning story of what many Alaskans live every winter. It's a wonderful story which is just off the Iditerod trail. I've read a lot of Appletons SiFi, which this isn't, and loved reading this story.
What sn exciting story! Appleton, one of my very favorite authors has written a stunning story of what many Alaskans live every winter. It's a wonderful story which is just off the Iditerod trail. I've read a lot of Appletons SiFi, which this isn't, and loved reading this story.
October 23, 2025
Chilling thriller!
I have always enjoyed the few times I have flown in a TWA airplane. TWA for Tiny Weenie Airplane! They just make you feel so much more alive thinking what could happen if something malfunctioned. Well, after reading this story, I do not have to wonder so much! Likeable characters helped. An enjoyable read!
I have always enjoyed the few times I have flown in a TWA airplane. TWA for Tiny Weenie Airplane! They just make you feel so much more alive thinking what could happen if something malfunctioned. Well, after reading this story, I do not have to wonder so much! Likeable characters helped. An enjoyable read!
July 27, 2022
Really enjoyed it. The only thing that jarred slightly with me was the seemingly 'forced' relationship between the main dog and the main character as if the author was trying too hard to make his readers part of the relationship.
August 5, 2022
Survival
An exciting tale with an unusual group of characters. Unexpected weather causes a crash landing and the long dangerous trip looking for home keeps you reading late into the night.
An exciting tale with an unusual group of characters. Unexpected weather causes a crash landing and the long dangerous trip looking for home keeps you reading late into the night.
March 13, 2025
Loved this book!
I absolutely loved this book. The story line was great. The characters were very relatable. It's the first book in a long time that I had a hard time tearing myself away from. Can't wait to read his next book.
I absolutely loved this book. The story line was great. The characters were very relatable. It's the first book in a long time that I had a hard time tearing myself away from. Can't wait to read his next book.
April 25, 2026
what a wild ride!
I had to force myself to put the book down halfway through since it was way past midnight and I had an early tee time. Haven’t read anything this engaging in a long time!
I had to force myself to put the book down halfway through since it was way past midnight and I had an early tee time. Haven’t read anything this engaging in a long time!
August 4, 2022
Very interesting.
I loved this book. I've always enjoyed survival stories, and a fan of the Iditarod. Will be looking for more of this type!
I loved this book. I've always enjoyed survival stories, and a fan of the Iditarod. Will be looking for more of this type!
March 23, 2023
not bad, worth ur time
Liked this story; good characters and lots of action. Writer knows his stuff, wonder if a sequel is going to happen?
Liked this story; good characters and lots of action. Writer knows his stuff, wonder if a sequel is going to happen?
August 30, 2025
Excellent adventure story.
January 1, 2026
exciting and hair raising
The book was exciting and hair raising. I learned some about Alaska.
The story had an airplane crash landing on ice and how the people survived.
The book was exciting and hair raising. I learned some about Alaska.
The story had an airplane crash landing on ice and how the people survived.
January 1, 2026
Can't remember the book very well and it's only been a month since I read it...so.
May 5, 2026
Wow! What an adventure!
It makes U feel like
U are right there in that sled! What a trip! Such a daring adventure!
Betty Lafferty
Battlecreek, Mi.
It makes U feel like
U are right there in that sled! What a trip! Such a daring adventure!
Betty Lafferty
Battlecreek, Mi.
February 25, 2023
I was drawn to this short-ish novel because I had never read much about Alaska or the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. I have mixed feelings about races/competitions like this that put animals in such harsh conditions. I understand that the dogs were probably bred for the task and may even seem to "love" competing. But it is undeniably dangerous, and some dogs and people who compete will die. Thank goodness there are people designated to support these competitors, human and canine. One such person is Ben, the main character of the story. We meet him as he is making a dicey landing fighting against hellish winds. Due to his skill and perhaps a bit of luck, he lands without incident. But he has other places to go. He is there to pick up two injured dogs that need medical care and ends up taking the ailing veterinarian who was caring for them and a race judge as well when he takes off again soon thereafter. Then the situation worsens from there.
The writing style in this story is quite strong. I like that the author seemed to know flying terminology as well as the local Alaskan slang, even if the words were not always easy to figure out. The story turned into a battle to survive with more than the expected sources of danger that one would expect from the elements. I love how Ben bonds with the male sled dog, who at first is despondent to be taken out of the race and wants to escape, as though he could catch up with his team and join them again. Later, the dog finds other ways to use his amazing skills. I highly recommend this story to any reader who enjoys adventure and suspense, and I would definitely read this author's work again.
The writing style in this story is quite strong. I like that the author seemed to know flying terminology as well as the local Alaskan slang, even if the words were not always easy to figure out. The story turned into a battle to survive with more than the expected sources of danger that one would expect from the elements. I love how Ben bonds with the male sled dog, who at first is despondent to be taken out of the race and wants to escape, as though he could catch up with his team and join them again. Later, the dog finds other ways to use his amazing skills. I highly recommend this story to any reader who enjoys adventure and suspense, and I would definitely read this author's work again.
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