"Power is all that matters" in this zero hour thriller, as Thomas scrambles to puzzle out the science that will stop the eruption and Catherine sets out on her own mission—to find out who is funding the project that first set this natural disaster in motion. As Thomas and Catherine's love story develops, their sweet romance in the midst of chaos provides soft moments within the explosive, constantly moving plot, yet even as they grow closer, Catherine learns that Thomas is keeping secrets of his own. Rinehart masterfully weaves the suspense and romance together, as the couple must learn to rely on each other while they deal with government corruption, family drama, and the potential end of the world.

Beyond that budding relationship, the core of the novel delves into the destruction that comes with abuse of power and greed, filling the pages with scenes of betrayal and violence that create heart-pounding tension until the shocking conclusion. The ensemble of characters is immense, and with multiple subplots providing twists and turns throughout, it’s hard to tell who to trust. Fans of exhilarating thrillers with multiple storylines and intricate characterization will enjoy this wild ride that stays unpredictable until the very last page.

Takeaway: A roller coaster ride of romance, secrets, and government cover-ups.

Comparable Titles: Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny’s State of Terror, Stacey Abram's While Justice Sleeps.

Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A