Danger Peak

Thirteen-year-old Robert Kin and his two best friends, Chris and Rinnie are members of the motorbike-racing club, the Wild Boars. The teens live in a suburban town in the '80s. With the help of their technology teacher “Doctor” Howard, a new bike is built for Robert — enhanced and more performing. His dream is to conquer Danger Peak, the same dream his older brother, Danny, died trying to accomplish. But does he have what it takes to scale the treacherous mountain and see what lies beyond?

Danger Peak by Michael Thomas Perone is fierce, laden with humor, and features characters that come alive through the pages. Through the eyes of Robert Kin, readers contemplate what it means to be passionate about something and the thrill of adventure. Themes of teamwork, loyalty, friendship, and adventure are so skillfully woven into this tale. Perone's characters are richly written and believable. Chris is fun to be with — witty and engaging — and Rinnie's empathy shines through the narrative. “Doctor” is a quirky character who immediately inspires laughter. These characters make for a wonderful company and while this adventure features teenage characters, it contains lessons for older readers. It is fast-paced and exhilarating, a story you can't put down. It is intriguing to discover how the challenges encountered shape the inner worlds of these characters. The writing is wonderful, filled with vivid descriptions, and whether it is what Robert feels riding down the street or his experience as he watches his brother lying in the casket, there is an inebriating sense of realism that permeates the writing. A delightful read, indeed.