Sabotaged
by
Dani Pettrey is the fifth and final
instalment of the Alaskan Courage series.
The book can be read as a
standalone as this story focuses on Reef and Kirra, but the books are
definitely best read in order as you get to revisit main characters from
previous books.
Reef
and Kirra are partnered as volunteers during the annual Idatrod when the frontrunner,
Kirra’s uncle, goes missing. Reef
insists on accompanying Kirra as she searches for her uncle Frank. They soon learn that Kirra’s cousin has been
kidnapped and that Frank is being forced to do “a job” to ensure Meg’s
safety. Kirra and Reef embark on the
journey of their lives as they try to not only find the missing Meg, but
discover what Frank is being forced to do.
Along
the way, Kirra is forced to confront a buried hurt that is still hovering over
her life and influencing not only her present but any chance of a happy future
as well. As Reef assists, supports and
comforts Kirra during this very stressful time she comes to find he is no
longer the irresponsible playboy hooked on adrenaline and excitement that she
once knew. He grounds her and gives her stability during a time that is anything but stable. God is no doubt using Reef to
help Kirra face and overcome her demons.
Could it be that her childhood nemesis is the answer to her prayers?
I
love the McKenna family and I love the Alaskan Courage series, but sadly this
final instalment (one I’ve been looking forward to so much) is my least
favourite in the series. Reef has become
unrecognisable from the character we first met.
Now, this might be intentional – Pettrey may want to illustrate the way
a person can change once he gives his heart to the Lord – but my problem is
this character does not seem like Reef at all; it felt like a whole new
character for me. This Kirra also seemed
different to me than the Kirra we met in Silenced. I love the fact that she is a vet and she runs
a shelter for rescued sled dogs, yet none of this was incorporated into this
story, which I found very disappointing.
The Mckenna family business, Final Frontier Adventures, also played no
part this time around which felt strange to me.
The action
portion of this story also didn’t grab me as strongly as the previous books
did. I remember reading the previous
books, especially Shattered, and being so tense! I feared for characters’ lives in the other
stories, but not this time around. The danger
just didn’t feel real to me. I enjoyed that Pettrey made the reader so much a part of the scene in the past (she took me diving, skiing, kayaking, mountain climbing) and sadly I didn't experience that feeling this time around.
I love
that Reef and Kirra found each other, but it all just seemed to happen a little
fast for me. I found the pacing of their
relationship a little unrealistic. Having
said that, the characters complement each other well and it was lovely to see
how Reef helped Kirra come to terms with her past, and helped her heal. Focus on faith is ever present, which I appreciate
and enjoy, and we get to visit with all the other McKennas and their
significant others one last time.
All in
all a satisfying conclusion to the Alaskan Courage series.
Bethany
House Publishers has graciously supplied me with a complimentary copy of this
book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much!
Product Information:
Title: Sabotaged
Series: Alaskan Courage (Standalone)
Author: Dani Pettrey
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Year: 2015
Pages: 337
ISBN-10: 076421196X
ISBN-13: 978-0764211966
ASIN: B00MBTYFV8
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