After reading this exciting author's YA books about horses,
I was keen to see what Tudor Robins would come up with
next. FALL LINE is the answer, based around the fast-moving
sport of skiing.
Chris is an older teen guy who is just crazy about his
sport. He can't help noticing that his pal Mike's
stepsister Jenna is hot. Wow, is she ever. Even Mike
notices, but he and Jenna are not related in any way, so
it's not as creepy as it might sound. The two guys are
quick to agree that skis on fresh powder is a far safer
prospect, but that won't keep them out of trouble.
Tilly is Chris's other best friend. She and Chris race
downhill any time there is snow. Living in British
Columbia, that's pretty often. They are desperate to make
the regional team, which is limited to fourteen people and
will involve intensive training with a new trainer who is
studying Human Kinetics at university. Anyone gaining a
place will have to say goodbye to pretty much all their
social life. Too big a price to pay? Not according to the
ski addicts. But just as Chris starts discovering how
much he and Tilly have in common, Jenna asks him for a
date.
I enjoyed the fitness training and intensity of the young
contenders, having done such things in the past, though not
for skiing. Anyone seriously into a sport will find a lot
to like and identify with, while the rest of the readers
may gain some insights. The characters are easy to get to
know and like. Jenna, who knows she's desirable, isn't into
sport so she doesn't understand the depth of Chris's
commitment to a team he hasn't even joined yet. But the
lure of dating the hottest girl around is powerful for a
guy just coming of age. Even if it means avoiding Tilly.
While Tilly can't compete for looks and figure, there's one
place where she excels and that's on snow slopes, but
that requires running, Pilates and squats. And not
forgetting, they've got to do homework and raise the money
for training fees. Sometimes it's hard work being a teen.
This tale of making friends and making mistakes, of
remembering your scores and forgetting your principles,
will appeal to Young Adult readers, particularly sporty
ones. Tudor Robins lives in Ontario and has put her own
love of skiing into FALL LINE. It's a fast glide into
romance.
Those are fifteen-year-old Chris Myers’ words for the year.
The next gate, the next race, his spot on the district ski team; they’re all his
for the taking.
Except training is such hard work. And then there’s Jenna – the very opposite
of hard work – gorgeous, curvy, and into partying. Into Chris.
Instead of moving forward, Chris is sliding back. Slower times, worse results,
and his best friend, Tilly, drifting away.
“The thing you want is right in front of you,” Tilly said. Now Chris just has to
figure out what that thing is – and how to get it – before it’s too late.
Fast-paced, fun, and intense, Fall Line is a refreshing read from start gate to
finish line.