North of Nowhere by Allison Brennan is another one of her fantastic thriller novels. North of Nowhere is a story revolving around an evil mafia family, that has been looking for their kidnapped children. It has been 5 years, since Kristin and Ryan McIntyre were saved by Tony, who was a former member of the mafia family; both Kristin (16 years old) and Ryan (10 years old, also deaf) love Tony and call him Dad. They live in a small Montana town, close to the wilderness, with Tony working for rancher Nick Lorenzo.

Now, as the McIntyre family is closing in, they need to run, and Tony takes Lorenzo’s plane to escape, but he is shot by a member of the McIntyre family and he is forced to crash land the plane. An injured Tony forces Kristin and Ryan to run, especially with a major snow storm approaching, before Boyd McIntyre (the kid’s father) finds him. Tony calls Ruby, the kids aunt, who had also run away all those years ago, and asked her to help save the kids.

Ruby, a former marine, immediately goes to Montana to save the kids. Nick Lorenzo, is determined to find them faster, as he needed to understand why they were running. Kristen was strong and did all she could to take care of Ryan. Boyd McIntyre had a number of men, including a tracker, to struggle through the storm to find his kids, even though they never wanted to be found. This was a nonstop wild action thriller, with a race against time to find Kristin and Ryan; with Boyd and his group willing to kill those in the way. To say too much more would ruin the book, as you need to read this fantastic thriller.

"North of Nowhere" is a heart pounding gripping thriller that kept me unable to put the book down. I really liked Kristin, who was strong and determined. I also liked both Ruby and Lorenzo, who would do anything to save the children. North of Nowhere was so very well written by Allison Brennan. This was a great psychological thriller that had so much going on from start to finish; filled with blizzard, hostile conditions, family, escape, betrayal, murder, organized crime, and an evil grandmother. I wholly suggest you read North of Nowhere.

You have a crime family, two children trying to escape the horrors of their lives, and those who try to protect those children. Kristen and Ryan McIntyre are on the run in a wilderness after the plane they try to escape in is shot down. The nefarious and those with good intentions are attempting to find them.

Action packed, North of Nowhere will have you on the edge of your seat. However, there are a plethora of characters that are hard to keep up with. The action is enough to keep your attention, however, I think the characters could have been dwindled down to make the story a bit more exciting and suspenseful.

This is a standalone title, but Brennan has other series that I will be sure to check out. I do like her writing style.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

I thought the premise sounded really good, but I ended up not finishing the book at 1/3 of the way through it.
There wasn’t anything really wrong with the book, it just didn’t draw me in. I felt that it would make a better movie than a book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins press for the copy of this eARC.

For five years, the former enforcer for the head of a Los Angeles crime family has lived in hiding in Montana with the children of his former boss. Tony took the two kids and fled after children’s mother was murdered. For five years Tony has raised them as his own while trying to keep the kids safe and hidden from father and cruel grandmother. Their luck runs out when Boyd and his henchmen finally track them down. Tony and the kids escape into the Montana wilderness as Boyd closes in. As a blizzard moves in, the danger ratchets up.

This was an entertaining, but messy mix of crime fiction and wilderness survival story. I say messy because there were so many tangents to the story. Crime boss Boyd’s estranged sister literally parachutes into the Montana forest to help find the kids. An LA police detective with his own agenda turns up on the scene. It was a lot of work keeping track of all the characters and threads to this story.

Thought there was a little too much telling and not enough showing with this story and book. We hear how terrible the grandmother, but it’s quite awhile into the book before we see any examples of her cruelty. I thought the sense of urgency to find the kids during the blizzard was mitigated by how much time all the adults in the woods spent standing around talking. I had trouble overlooking the fact that Tony never changed his last name and even registered the kids in school with his last name. 🤦‍♀️ And if you don’t want anyone to find you, maybe don’t send the kids to school on picture day? I thought the story ran a smidge too long and could have been tightened up to keep the story moving.

This book had be hooked from the beginning! This story follows 16 year old Kristin and her younger deaf brother. They are running through the wilderness of Montana during a snowstorm to escape their dangerous father who they were taken from 5 years earlier. Their biological family is a mafia family that they want no parts of. What will happen in this game of cat and mouse and who will win?

This highly addictive thriller is a must read! Thank you Negalley, the publisher and amazing author for my ARC!

Tony knows he has been found. His main goal now is to protect Kristen and Ryan. He borrows his boss’ plane and initiates his plan to get the kids out and to safety. But, something goes wrong and it could be the death of all of them.

This story moves like lightening. I enjoyed the chase. And believe me…this is a big chase, over the mountains and through the woods…in a blizzard, no less. And let me tell you, there are some major intense moments where I literally gasped out loud. And just when you think things may be about to settle down, there is another twist and someone’s life is thrown into jeopardy again!

The only reason for the 4 stars is there are a lot of characters to keep up with. And this slowed the story down some for me. However, I loved Kristen, Ruby, Tony and Ryan.

Need a fast paced, exciting thriller…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

This book was an unputdownable thrill ride from beginning to end as two children are in a race for survival against their crime boss family and even the elements themselves as a snowstorm barrels in. The story is intense and action packed and I was racing through the pages to find out what fantastic twist would happen next. This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last!

Bone-Chilling Survival With Lots Of Moving Parts. This is one of those excellent lost in the wilderness/ lost in the blizzard survival tales that also happens to be a chase tale that is actually a story about family and breaking generational problems. So clearly, there is a LOT going on here, and a LOT of moving parts. And the non-moving parts - the wilderness and to a lesser extent the blizzard - are given their own fair respect here as well, both in the area natives' respect for them and in the out-of-towners' disrespect. One of Brennan's most complex stories I've yet come across after working a couple of her other series over the last few years, this is truly an excellent tale of a different type from her, with her usual excellent execution in all aspects of the story. You're going to *feel* the impacts here, from the coldness of the wilderness - and the coldness of some of the characters. Which is great, for a summer release during several consecutive days of "Excessive Heat Warning" events. :D Very much recommended.

What an action-packed story! The action starts immediately and keeps going all the way to the end. I liked that the story was told from multiple characters points of view. You couldn't tell who to trust or what anyone was going to do. The anticipation was intense. I enjoyed the story and was happily satisfied with the ending. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Allison Brennan's new standalone North of Nowhere is a read worth reading. I have not read a lot of her books ,but enough to know that she writes great stories that keep you engaged as a reader. I couldn't pass up the book by reading the description and knowing the authors writing.
The plot draws you in from the first page. Two kids ,Kristin and Ryan, on the run from their family who happens to be a crime boss syndicate. Hiding inn a small Montana town with their godfather who raises them as his own. They are discovered and the hunt is on! Plans in place with a back up to the plan they go on the run again. An accident brings the kids to the wilderness, alone, but very skilled from previous training. An aunt Ruby who would do anything to save them and an evil grandmother who will do anything to get them back. There are many characters in play ,and at times the story does seem to "getaway",but not to the point where you don't want to know how it ends.
The cat and mouse theme always keeps me engaged. Allison knows how to draw a reader into a story where you are going right along with the characters .A high paced thriller that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a great story and an ending that leaves you satisfied. Kudos to Allison Brennan for another fantastic read! Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin's press for providing me and ARC.
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This thriller will have you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end. There is plenty of family drama, a crime family, betrayal on multiple levels, a snowstorm, and the wilderness. There are quite a number of characters involved in the story, but the author did a great job of introducing them into the storyline. I loved how the chapters moved between the characters with occasional flashbacks as needed. There were also plenty of twists and turns - some of which I was able to guess at, others that were a surprise. I love stories where even though some of the characters would be considered a "bad guy" on the surface, they turn out to be multi-dimensional and exhibit some good characteristics.

Ehh tbh this was just not my jam.

I have no doubt that this is me not the author or premise. Sometimes we just don’t connect.

It started off great but for being a fast paced read, it was a little bit boring me me and I had to force myself to continue reading.

I do appreciate my early copy and have enjoyed a few of this authors books in the past so I’ll def read her again. It’s me not you!

This book excited me because the premise was so interesting. However I just couldn't get past the first few chapters without becoming a little bored. Very disappointing as it had so much promise.

This is a heart racing, edge of your seat, have to read one more chapter, thriller! This book will keep you enthralled until the very end.

After being in hiding for the past five years from their murderous father Boyd McIntyre, head of the LA crime family, he has finally found them. Kirstin and Ryan McIntyre are terrified. They have been hiding in a small Montana town, and Boyd is minutes from them. To kidnap them and take them back to Los Angeles to “deal” with them.

Kristin and Ryan barely escape in a small plane, but it’s soon losing control after Boyd’s men have shot the fuel line. The pilot, a man who has been raising them as his own, manages to crash land in the middle of the Montana wilderness. They hike deep into the woods, searching desperately for safety—unaware of the severity of the approaching storm.

Ruby who is Boyd’s sister, left Los Angeles for the Army years ago, cutting off contact in order to help keep her Kristin and Ryan safe and free from the horrors of the McIntyre clan. So when she gets an emergency call that the plane has gone down with the kids inside, she drops everything to try save them.

Ruby isn’t the only person looking for them. Boyd has hired an expert tracker to find and bring them home. And rancher Nick Lorenzo, who knows these mountains better than anyone, is on their trail too.

Kristen and Ryan have a greater threat out there. More unpredictable than the incoming blizzard, more threatening than the family they ran from or the natural predators they could encounter. Who finds them first could define if they live or die.

I want to thank Netgalley, the author, Allison Brennan and the Publishers St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books

Thanks very much to St. Martin's Press for inviting me to read a copy of North of Nowhere through NetGalley in exchange for a review.

I think I would check out this author's other works, because the writing was smooth and clear and it was atmospheric, but overall, this one didn't work for me. I was initially drawn into to the story in the first chapter--Tony was set up to be a flawed character that you still want to root for, but then so many POV shifts were introduced, sometimes multiple times a chapter, that my head began to spin with how many characters I had to keep track of. And since the pacing was fast and the chapters short, I never really got a chance to connect with anyone in any real way. The action just stretched the boundaries of disbelief too thin, and Frankie and Boyd read to0 "cartoonish villain" to be taken seriously.

I could not devour this standalone thriller fast enough! The story of two young kids alone in the wilderness of Montana while being tracked by a nefarious and evil father, a woman who is trying to help them but whom they don’t really know and a good-hearted stranger who just wants them safe is absolutely riveting. I could not put it down because I really wanted to know who the unknown person was that was also tracking them as well as assurance that teen Kristen and her deaf brother Ryan would be safe in spite of their circumstances. Add in the fact that a big winter storm is brewing and you have the recipe for a book that is a perfect read for fans of thrillers. The plot includes a somewhat complicated backstory but author Allison Brennan does a masterful job of explaining the background of the two children and their caretaker Tony Reed. The characters are all dynamic although they are not all lovable, nor are they meant to be. I loathed Boyd McIntyre, the father who is determined to bring the children back under his control no matter the cost to them. At the same time, I admired Ruby McIntyre for declaring independence from her felonious family and for being willing to come out of hiding to try to save the children. My favorite character was Kristen who demonstrated bravery and resilience in the face of some amazing odds against her. The plot was so fast paced that it was like a roller coaster ride all down hill. There were some surprises along the way and lots of mystery involved, too. I loved this book and would really enjoy its being made into a movie. Hint, hint, Hollywood! This would make a superb action movie because it is already a fascinating book!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

North of Nowhere by Allison Brennan is a cat-and-mouse suspense. Kristin and Ryan McIntyre have been in hiding for the last five years and the day they were dreading has arrived. Their murderous father, Boyd McIntyre, the head of a Los Angeles crime family, has found them! Along with a man who has kept them safe, they attempt to escape in a small plane, when gunfire hits the fuel line and they crash in the middle of the Montana wilderness with a storm moving in. Kristin and Ryan have been taught survival skills and they make their way to their safe house. Ruby McIntyre, Boyd’s sister and the children’s aunt, walked away from the family business to join the army. She vowed never to return; however when the call comes that her niece and nephew need her help, she doesn't hesitate to help them. Ruby soon discovers she and Boyd aren’t the only ones looking for Kristin and Ryan and whoever finds them first will determine if they live or die.
I hadn’t heard of Allison Brennan or her books before; however, the synopsis intrigued me. From the opening paragraph, readers are promised an edge-of-your-seat suspense. And it delivered for the first two thirds of the story. The story started to falter a bit during the last third and there seemed a rush to finish as the action piled on for a spectacular finish. The ending was satisfying and overall, I enjoyed North of Nowhere. I cheered for Kristin as she fought to protect herself and her brother and was unsure who to trust. I enjoyed Ruby’s character as a hardened veteran who fears her family. Boyd was an interesting villain but the true villain is revealed near the end and he was terrifying. I may have gasped as he was revealed. As this book was my first by Ms Brennan, I am curious about her other books and will be checking out her blacklist. If you enjoy suspense with a survival aspect, you will enjoy North of Nowhere.

North of Nowhere will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook on August 8, 2023

It's been awhile since I read one of Allison Brennan's books and North of Nowhere reminded me exactly why I enjoy her novels. It's a fast paced, action packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Location, location, location. For most books the location means very little. That is soooo not the case here. Montana with a blizzard bearing down on two kids forced to survive after their plane crashed. Location doesn't play a bigger role than that. If you are a fan of the non-stop, terror inducing, thriller - this is the book for you.

The day came after five years of peace. Boyd McIntyre had found them. All they could do is run. Tony Reed had planned for this and all he had to do was steal a plane and be gone before the blizzard hits. But they were found, and the plane shot up and crashed in the Montana wilderness. Sixteen-year-old Kristen and ten-year-old Ryan are on their own with their backpacks, a compass and a map. On the run from their father, Boyd McIntyre head of a Los Angeles crime family, with no one to help them.

But Kristen and Ryan have people who care about them. Their Aunt Ruby left the family years ago, entered the Army and never looked back. But she loves Kristin and Ryan and will do whatever it takes to find them and keep them safe. Nick Lorenzo is the owner of the ranch where Tony worked and he and his son, Jason, love the kids. Together they will stop at nothing to find and rescue Kristen and Ryan, even a Montana blizzard won't stop them. There are others looking too and someone wants them dead.

To some family is everything. To others family is to be controlled and made to serve the interests of the family.

My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

Kristen and Ryan are running for their lives from their crime family. Their plane was shot down in the wilderness of Montana and their chosen father is injured when the plane crashes. Cue a race to the truth and safety. Brennan crafted a large list of characters with their own secrets in this fast-paced thriller. The mastermind behind the drama is an unlikely character who forces family members to spill their secrets. The story quickly wraps up.