For much of this book I would have only rated it as four stars. I know it was necessary for the plot, but really, what mother would have taken her child out into those extremes?
However, then the pace of the action and the tension really ramped up. For the remainder of this book, it became an unputdownable fabulous novel, and I was utterly engrossed.

Rosamund Lupton has written some fantastic books: Sister and Afterwards, both of which have been international bestsellers and this, her third book, I believe is heading the same way.

Telling the story of Yasmin and Ruby, who is deaf, mother and daughter travel to Alaska in search of Ruby's father. They are starting on a long journey which leads them deeper into the Alaskan landscape, where they never feel they are alone. This landscape is a fantastic backdrop to the story, which keeps the reader on their toes throughout the book.

Lupton's fantastic writing style continues as a brilliant storyteller. The storytelling is haunting but beautiful, often at a break neck speed as the hunt for Ruby's father continues to gather pace, leaving them both in peril. It is one of those books which are hard to put down, always wanting to know what will happen next. However, although this book is a thriller, there are also moments of humour, in Ruby's narrative, and also an insight into living with deafness where the environment is seen in a different way, with other senses heightened as one is lost.

I would recommend this book to existing fans of Lupton, however it is also a fantastic introduction into Lupton's books which never fail to impress.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing this review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited to read this book as I’d heard a lot about it, and it was all good! It’s a story about Yasmin and her 10 year old daughter Ruby setting off across Northern Alaska in search of Ruby’s father who is missing. Ruby is deaf, and as they go on in the darkness she has to rely on only her vision to help her. It’s cold and dark, and there is also someone else out there, and they are following them.

I love a good thriller, and the setting of Alaska sounded like a great place to base a thriller! Unfortunately I really struggled to get into the plot, right from more or less the beginning. The relationship between Ruby and her mother was beautiful, and the issues that Ruby had to overcome because of her being deaf was really interesting. But, the plot was just a bit too far-fetched and I found it hard to get into the story because I just couldn’t ever see it happening. Such a shame as I really wanted to like the book! But on the plus side, I really enjoyed the description of the setting and the Alaskan wilderness!

Yasmin goes in search of Matt, her wildlife photographer husband who is missing, with daughter Ruby who has been deaf since birth. It's dark, and it's cold, and would be perilous in any event but there seems to be someone following them. There are some beautiful moments in this book, and I loved the various relationships. There are also moments where your heart is in your mouth. Well worth a read.

I am a huge fan of Ms. Lupton's previous novels and in this one her writing is more intense, chilly and emotionally gripping.

I enjoyed this book and found it an interesting read.

Quite an unusual story exploring contemporary environmental issues and some lovely characters, but a little unrealistic and cute in places.