Above the Fire

A Novel

By: Michael O’Donnell

Narrated by: Robert Fass

An enthralling debut, Above the Fire crystallizes the relationship between a father and son as they survive a winter of isolation. Perfect for fans of The Dog Stars by Peter Heller and The Road by Cormac McCarthy.

Laboring under a shared loss, Doug and his young son, Tim, set out on a late season backpacking trip through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. They find beauty and solidarity in the outdoors, making friends along the trail and falling into the rhythms of an expedition. But when reports of warfare and social collapse reach the ranger station, Doug—seeking to protect the only family he has left—withdraws even further into the backcountry.

The alpine winter presents its own dangers, as father and son must endure the elements, the solitude, and the ever-present threat of outsiders. As their isolation intensifies, and the nature of the country’s disorder becomes more unsettling, their bond with each other grows more fierce. But as spring approaches, they must decide whether—and how—to confront the perils of a changed world.

©2023 Michael O'Donnell (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Could’ve been a lot better

Not bad, just could’ve been a lot better. The setting was perfect for a more suspenseful story.

page turner

this book kept my interest from beginning to end. such an interesting scenario for a family to go through

Don’t expect much of a story.

Kept waiting for something - anything - to happen, and then it was over. I got this due to Audible’s comparing it to ‘The Road’ but besides a few brief moments of excitement I was left wishing something actually happened.

Beautiful story that stays with you…

This is fabulous story about a father and a son as the world crumbles around them. Even a couple weeks after I finished this I’m still thinking of some of its quiet beauty. Do yourself a favor and fall into this book that feels like a both like a journey and a moment close to home.

Loved this book

It’s engaging from the start and the writing is so beautifully descriptive. A gripping and enjoyable story.