THUNDER MOUNTAIN by Dean Wesley Smith is one of those reads
that defies genre classification. Take some romance, throw
in a little bit of historical fiction and add a dash of
time travel and science fiction and you have the basis for
this interesting story.
Professor Dawn Edwards is introduced in the first chapter
as a lover of all things historical, especially Idaho
during the gold rush years. When she is offered a fully
paid vacation by two of her best patrons and friends she
jumps at the chance to head back to Roosevelt, Idaho before
the fall semester of school starts. Along for the ride is
another professor and historian, Professor Madison Rogers.
When these two meet it's love at first sight and both are
looking forward to getting to know the other better. It's
not long into their trip that they realize their companions
have a much more exciting itinerary planned. One that
involves actually going back in time to experience the gold
rush in real time.
As a history lover, I immensely enjoyed the time travel
theories introduced and appreciated that the historical
aspects appeared well researched. I would have liked for
the main protagonists to have interacted to a greater
extent with the people of the time they visited, but am
pleased with the descriptions and background on the area. I
didn't enjoy the romance as much, as there was no real build
up and depth to this couple's growing relationship. I wish
the characters had been fleshed out a bit more; they came
across as one-dimensional albeit pleasant and likable. All
of the four main characters are smart, attractive and
resourceful, I just would have enjoyed a more in-depth look
into their backstories and motivations.
The premise for THUNDER MOUNTAIN is intriguing and will
appeal to fans of both historical and science fiction.
This is an easy, light read, and I am interested in
revisiting these characters on their future adventures.
USA Today bestselling author Dean Wesley Smith weaves a
science fiction tale of love and survival of two modern
professors dealing with the past.
Offered a free trip into a remote Idaho wilderness that she
loves and studies, Professor Dawn Edwards can’t refuse. On
the trip she meets Professor Madison Rogers, and they fall
for each other before they even reach their destination.
But living in the Old West proves to be a brutal task.
Somehow, Dawn must survive to rescue herself, her friends,
and the man she loves.
A science fiction novel of the old west and true love.