Member Reviews
This book was a little confusing for me. I give the author, credit, though for all the research and thought she put into this book. I love suspense novels, and I thought this one was going to be more suspenseful than what it was. It had too much sci-fi for my taste. But if someone loves sci-fi, this one may be one for you!
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
I know that cyber security is really important and being prepared for every possible scenario is as well. But that's just not possible. We can't control everything.
This should make for great suspense, but neither the prophetess nor the weird brother of Jason were very believable characters. And for my taste there are too many open questions at the end of the book. I'm still missing the real motive.
🥶26 Below 🥶
By Kimberly Woodhouse
Kregel Publishers
When Darcie Phillips accepts a position as the Emergency Operations Director in Fairbanks, Alaska, she believes she has all the qualities needed for the job. What she doesn’t account for is on old lady showing up and prophesying that the power would go out when the temp get to 26 below zero. At first she doesn’t take this woman seriously but then odd cyber related things start happening that make her think that maybe something big might be coming. She has to turn to cyber security expert, Jason Meyers to help her. But who is behind these attacks and at what lengths will they go?
I really enjoyed the cyber terrorism aspect of this as it is a very real threat in todays world. I felt like there was a good amount of suspense but it didn’t cause me too much anxiety. The romance was very light but enough to create interest in the story. There was a faith aspect which I enjoyed. I also enjoyed the strong female lead character who was the “Boss”. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Independent Publishers Group and Kregel Publications for approving me. The opinions are my own.
Great read!
It is a frightening reality to even consider how devastating a cyber attack can be. And yet, that is what men and women face everyday trying to protect this nation.
This story has twists and turns, heart stopping situations, and a reminder that God is ultimately in control.
Dive into this book as you approach 26 below.
This was a slower-moving suspense novel, possibly due to the cyber aspects of it, yet it was a solid suspense read. Thanks to Kregel for my NetGalley copy of the book--all opinions are my own.
Whoa, I loved this one! The fun headers worked so well in upping the tension and I loved seeing the progression as the story goes on! With the prediction of an elderly woman that many deem ‘crazy’ we know that it’s started that when the temperatures drop to 26 below, destruction with strike.
I loved going on this journey with the characters as things start happening, and they find themselves in a race against time (and the dropping temperatures!) in this thrilling read! Ah! This was a wild ride, and I loved every moment. I literally could not put this one down once the action started to build, it was soo good and I just had to know how it ended!!
Thank you to Just Read Publicity Tours, Kimberly Woodhouse, Kregel Publications and Net Galley for my advanced access to this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Darcie Phillips has just accepted a job as Emergency Operations Center director in Fairbanks, Alaska. Her fist day is met with protesters and stress. She sets out to prove she is up to the task. nothing can prepare her for what's to come.
Jason Meyers has experience as a cyber security specialist. He has been assigned to help Darcie get things up and running.
An old woman has been predicting mass chaos and death as soon as the temperature drops to 26 degrees below zero. No one is taking her seriously. No one kind find her to verify her information.
Soon a body is found, and then another. Many questions come up. Is something sinister going on? Who would do such a thing?
As the temperatures drop, chaos continues. Soon there is no power and no way to communicate with law enforcement or rescue resources of any kind.
Jason, Darcie and their team in in a race to figure out what's going on.
There are themes of faith, trust and healing woven throughout the book.
A real page turner!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I have had a fascination with all things Alaska for decades (hoping to visit one day soon) so it was a no-brainer that I picked up this book.
Darcie is the new Emergency Operations Center Director in Fairbanks, and this is one heck of a role. She has a lot of responsibility and it doesn't help one little bit that there are people in the local community who are far from being fans.
Jason is a cybersecurity specialist and there is no-one more in need of his services than Darcie, when things go spectacularly wrong in her jurisdiction. Darcie could also use some faith, something which she put to the side, years ago.
These two characters are great - Darcie, the competent and yet somewhat hesitant person in charge plus Jason, a solid guy, both in terms of his reliability and his heart.
Add in a native woman who appears to be either mentally ill or inspired plus a bunch of people who are determined to wreak havoc and you have the perfect storm.
This book was full of action and had an undercurrent of menace running through it.
Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kregel Publications.
Going from historical fiction to a contemporary romantic suspense for an author is quite the jump, but Kimberley Woodhouse did a masterful job as she kicks off a new series that will keep you filled with tension and gripping your Kindle tightly. The author was able to keep the tension building as the suspense ramped up, the chapters serving as a form of a countdown with the clicking clock and the documentation of the dropping temperature.
I will admit that it took me a bit to get my bearings but as the characters began to develop, and the true understanding of the plot was fleshed out, I couldn’t put this suspenseful read down. The author did a lot of research, which is apparent on every page, but I felt like there were moments that had a clinical, procedural feel to it that could be off putting for me. The characters are easily relatable, but I found myself struggling to connect with the heroine, Darcie. There is something about her character that rubbed me the wrong way, and no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t bond with her. I did appreciate the faith aspect, and how it was not heavy handed, but quite moving and inspirational.
What’s really terrifying is the fact that cyberterrorism is a very real threat that could easily happen and should taken very seriously. I hope something like this never happens in my lifetime, but with the way our world is headed nothing is out of the realm of possibility anymore. I appreciate all of the author’s hard work to make this novel as accurate as possible not only when it comes to the cyber aspect, but the geography as well. Alaska is one of those places I’ve always wanted to visit, so reading the details made me fall even more in love with this state.
I know one thing, after reading 26 Below I am motivated more than ever to work on my emergency preparedness kit! This is a suspenseful, terrifyingly thought-provoking novel that is grounded in reality, a touch of romance, and truth.
How spoiled we have become! Relying on technology for, well, almost everything. Especially heat.
I don’t reckon many of us know the bitter, frigid cold of Alaska winters. Or the critical importance of power supply to heat your home.
This story, y’all! Cyber threats are like no other threat. It strikes in ways we’ve never known before. It’s like a home invasion—nay, it IS a home invasion. But the perpetrator is nameless and faceless.
Ms. Woodhouse has created a scenario so devastating and hair-raising—and so potentially real—it’s frightening to contemplate.
Darcie Phillips is good at what she does. Not so much at who she is, hiding any trace of emotion or personality. Wounds that have cut deep and left crippling scars. But she will keep her city safe, and she will find the one behind the cyber-attack.
Jason Myers is ‘on loan’ in Fairbanks. With his specialty in cyber security, he’s in the right place at the right time when the threats start coming.
The author has crafted such a gripping story, with twists and an urgency that compels the reader to the end.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Friday, #TRD, Book Review, 26 Below, Kimberley Woodhouse, Alaskan Cyber Hunters, JustRead Publicity
This story was a bit hard for me to pinpoint what to focus on for my review.
I enjoy mystery and suspense, but this has quite a different feel to it than most suspense novels.
There are terrifying events being predicted for Fairbanks, Alaska, but they are of the cyber variety. And yet, could the murders that keep happening be related to all of it? And if so, this means that there is a very large and unknown something lurking in the background....
Darcie is the main character, and I wasn't quite sure that I liked her. Her personality was a bit hard to feel empathy for. But...the longer I read, the more she grew on me. ;)
There is lots of action happening, and I couldn't quite keep up with all of it. I am not familiar with cyber-terrorism, so I was a bit out-in-the-dark. It is something rather frightening to think of, though...what kind of havoc could be wreaked on us, since we are so dependent on the internet these days.
There is a also a bit of romance going on... I really don't want to give any spoilers.
Also, the ending. This book didn't give a clear-cut resolution. I think it's because it's the first in the series, and I am guessing there will be more from these villains in the next book....?!
Overall, this was an intriguing book. If you are looking for action and adventure, in Alaska, then be sure and give this book a try!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Having read and enjoyed several of Kimberley Woodhouse's novels, I looked forward to this contemporary technothriller story set in Alaska. 26 Below kept my interest from beginning to end with danger, mystery, and romance. It is a book I found hard to put down. The characters are realistic and relatable. I especially liked Natalie, an older woman intent on warning others despite her growing confusion. The premise is all too chillingly plausible, which adds to the intrigue. As the chapter headings remind the reader that the temperatures are dropping, tension mounts, and the pages almost turn themselves. I was pleased to see the book is part of a series (Alaskan Cyber Hunters). I definitely will be looking for others in the series to read.
I read a complimentary copy of the book, given to me through JustRead Publicity Tours, and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.
26 Below is a wonderful suspense novel. I felt for the characters. I fell in love with them. And I couldn’t wait to find the ending. Now I can’t wait for the next book! I need to know what happens next!
Darcie has been assigned to her new job. She’s supposed to make sure that they’re ready for natural disasters and really any disasters that could happen. She is to keep Alaska safe. Sounds like a large job for one person to me.
But what about when things aren’t natural? What happens when it’s a man-made terrorist-type situation? Can she get her measures in place before disaster strikes? And if disaster does strike can she save the people?
This is such a fast-paced book. You find out early on that there is going to be a disaster. When the temperature hits 26 below bad things are going to happen. The power is going to go out. People won’t be able to communicate. People will die!
When this becomes news to everyone after an older woman with dementia/Alzheimer’s hears it will the people be ready? They can urge everyone to take precautions. They can try to prepare and prevent it. But what happens when everything shuts down?
I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN.
It read super fast. I found myself trying to read and cook and read and do laundry or dishes. Thankfully I’m good at multi-tasking or there could have been some disasters. And thankfully I like to have meals in the freezer so my family didn’t starve. Though they wouldn’t have starved because I read the book in less than 24 hours. I mean, I just truly could not put it down!
This book brings out something that is a great fear of people right now. We rely on the grid and electricity plus our phones for so much. People need it for heat and to cook or even just to keep food at the right temperatures. So many people would have their lives devastated by this. Add in how cold it was supposed to be and the fact that people wouldn’t have heat. Throw in the elderly and very young people who can’t survive. So intense!
You’re going to love this book! I cannot wait to read the second book and the rest of this series. There was a bonus chapter at the end of the second book and let’s just say I’m already hooked and I really really need that book now!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
26 Below by Kimberly Woodhouse was extremely exciting! It is a Christian suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Darcie Phillips can only really rely on one person. Herself. But for this job, she’s going to have to trust that others will do their jobs right the first time. Darcie is the head of the Emergency Operations Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. The department isn’t even fully functioning when her job becomes much more than she bargained for. Her job was to prevent disasters. Now, of course, you can’t prevent all disasters, but you can be prepared to coordinate help in the case of a natural disaster or monitor potential threats. She wasn’t supposed to be dealing with a cyber attack affecting an area with almost 100,000 residents. An attack supposedly predicted by a “prophetess” that will happen when the temperature hits 26 below.
Darcie is a strong female protagonist. She’s very intelligent and organized which are only two qualities that make her the perfect head of this emergency center. Her assistant Misty is outgoing and extremely efficient. She’s the perfect assistant for Darcie, and their skills complement each other. Jason Myers has the cybersecurity skills that Darcie needs for this threat, but they can’t do it alone. Jason recommends two young guys in their 20s who have mad skills. I loved those guys! I can totally imagine the crazy but hyper-focused work they’d do. I loved Jason’s strength of character and his reliance upon God. Though things were going horribly wrong, he never stopped trusting that God was with him during this struggle. I’ll let you get to know the “prophetess” as well as the supporting characters yourselves since anything else would spoil them for you.
I’ve always imagined what it would be like to live in Alaska. I’ve read many books set in Alaska, watched Northern Exposure, watched fictional and reality shows set in Alaska…yep, it’s fun to imagine living there, but I wouldn’t last for very long. Cold, dark winters and grizzly bears….no, I couldn’t cut it! But, it’s still fun to imagine what it would be like (from afar). The author does an amazing job describing the bone chilling cold as well as the heatwaves of 50 degrees (nope…too cold!). I really can’t imagine breathing in air that’s going to freeze my nose hairs! If you live in Alaska, you have my utter admiration!
Don’t start 26 Below in the evening unless you’re prepared for a really long night! You won’t want to put it down! I highly recommend 26 Below for its believable, well-written characters; its intense, page-turning action; its bone-chilling setting; and its message of trusting God in all circumstances.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
26 Below by Kimberly Whitehouse is the first book in the Alaskan Cyber Hunters series. This is an awesome start to a new series. This tory is well written, easy to imagine, fast-paced and filled with action and suspense. This story had me “sitting on the edge of my seat” just to see what was going to happen, how fast and why.
I totally enjoyed this story. The characters are so real. I enjoyed the character of Darcie as she often struggles with what is going on and what is happening. Though she did hide away a little to often when a crisis was happening. I especially enjoyed the character of Jason. I appreciate how he depends on his men friends and his faith. I enjoyed how the team worked together, especially how on top of things and prepared Darcie’s assistant was. I liked how the beginning of each new chapter was almost like a countdown to disaster. This is a great Christian suspense thriller that is very easy to read. This is a story that will make the read sit back and wonder if they are prepared for something similar to happen.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
If you have ever been to Alaska, visited the state, or added it to your bucket list, you know it is a state filled with both beauty and danger. In 26 Below, Kimberley Woodhouse ramps up both elements with a romantic suspense that will keep you turning the pages until the very end (and then have you wanting the next book right away).
Jason is a flawed hero. He’s intelligent and protective, but he makes mistakes. Some he’s quick to realize and apologize for. Others he takes a little longer to wrestle with. When he meets Darcie, he immediately sees her capability and determination as well as the walls she’s built around herself. Darcie is a little tougher to connect with. She closed off. Even though she acknowledges this, her reasons for it carry some bitterness.
And then there is the suspense. As the days pass by and the temperature drops, the threat of danger for the people of Fairbanks becomes more a reality. At first, I was wishing for more urgency, but it came about halfway through the book.
The cyber threat is very real today, and Woodhouse did her research to bring authenticity to this story. The addition of the uncontrollable weather is a nice twist, and Alaska herself becomes another character. The faith element is also prevalent in this one.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
26 Below is one of those books that is frighteningly realistic enough to realize that similar situations could easily happen in today’s world. I never thought about how bad it could be in Alaska if they lost power during their winter months. It would be a disaster here in the South but not nearly as life-threatening as in Alaska.
Woodhouse has written a story that will most likely be remembered by its readers and I would not be a bit surprised if it strikes a little fear in their hearts. Her vivid descriptions had me feeling the deep cold along with her well fleshed out characters and I found myself picking up my tablet more than once when I should have been sleeping.
Although the critical situation seemed to be resolved, there were some major indications that their troubles were just beginning. What a cliffhanger! I do have a few suspicions about the real mastermind behind everything so I am eagerly anticipating the next book to find out if I’m right.
I really enjoyed this suspense by Kimberley Woodhouse. I have read many of her historical fiction novels but this is the first time I have read a Contemporary Suspense by her. I loved how I was engaged from the first page with wanting to know what would happen at 26 degrees below zero and who was behind it. I liked getting a glimpse into Alaska and what life is like there. I also loved the characters and watching them grow and deal with a crisis. I also liked how this book got me to think about what I would do in this situation. I thought the story was well told and would definitely read more by this author and this genre.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
26 Below is written by Kimberly Woodhouse. I’ve been a huge fan of this author for a long time. This is book one in the Alaskan Cyber Hunter series. This is her suspense story and boy is it filled full of adrenaline pounding scenes.
Darcie accepts a job as the Emergency Operations Director in Fairbanks Alaska. She’s got a tough task ahead of her when her first day she’s ambushed by angry spectators during her presentation. She suddenly doubts herself. She knows she can try and get everyone on protocol before something happens. Then threats start coming in.
Jason is at the top of his game as a cybersecurity specialist. He’s brought in to help detect and prevent any threats. He sees the hurt in Darcie’s eyes. He tries to be her friend but she pulls back. When a wandering woman named Natalie overhears plans to bring down systems she tries to warn everyone. When it’s 26 below systems will go down. But because of her eccentricness she is not taken seriously.
Then things that Natalie is saying start to become uncovered. Bodies are found and Natalie finds that only Darcie and her team take her seriously. Can they find out who is behind the threats before it’s too late?
I loved this kick off to this series. I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out. This book had so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.
Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
It surprisingly took me nearly half this read to "get into"--but boy, once I did ...it was nonstop action! I'm so glad I stuck with it!
Mostly I found I couldn't connect with the main character for a while; she felt closed off, and intentionally so--which is fine! I just had no problem connecting with the other characters right away, and was relieved when the switch flipped for me and the MC.
I love how Woodhouse channeled her years living in Alaska into this read. I could really tell she had inside knowledge with the state; it showed on many levels and lent authenticity to the read. Sheesh, I can't imagine living in the cold temps--wow!
The book really did read like it was ripped out of today's headlines, and hit awfully close to home at times. Makes me want to lock everything down, or at least start taking more precautions!
An excellent first book in a new series. It tied up mooooost of the loose ends, but certainly left a few open, and I can't wait for book 2!
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.