BOOK REVIEW - Panic Peak by William A. Liggett
Book Title: Panic Peak by William A. Liggett
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 254 pages
Genre: Cli-Fi Thriller
Publisher: Consilience Press LLC
Publication Date: February, 2024
Content Rating: PG-13: Very occasional f-word and sh*t in dialog
How can a single glacier grow dramatically while hundreds are shrinking around the world?
This paradox confronts a young glaciologist Kate Landry as she looks down at her research site buried under shocking mounds of new snow. Little does she know that Mount Olympus is in the bulls-eye for a sophisticated geoengineering experiment being conducted by a scientist who has convinced a secretive international oil cartel to fund his dubious climate modification techniques. While Kate struggles to understand why the glacier is growing and begins to unravel the entire nefarious scheme, she also struggles to avoid the unraveling of her developing relationship with social psychologist Grant Poole. The more Kate uncovers on the glacier, the more her own life is at risk. Can she expose the unethical and dangerous geoengineering operation without being caught before she’s stopped? And at what risk to her life?
Panic Peak by William A. Leggitt is a thrilling and
intense novel that gripped me from the first page and didn't let go until the
final word. This is my first Cli-Fi book and won’t be my last. Living in the PNW,
I wanted to read this book as I love Mount Olympus. Set in the remote and treacherous mountain
region, the book follows young glaciologist, Kate Landry as she discovers her research
site is covered under an alarming amount of new snow. Little does she know that
it’s the location for a sophisticated geoengineering experiment being conducted
by a scientist who has convinced a secretive international oil cartel to fund
his dubious climate medication techniques.
This author excels at creating a tense atmosphere, with the
harsh mountain environment becoming a character. The detailed descriptions of
the perilous climbs and the unpredictable weather made me feel the dangers facing
the characters. The psychological tension is perfect, and I enjoyed the backstories,
they helped me empathize with the characters and their struggles.
The pacing is spot-on, maintaining a constant sense of
urgency and suspense. The author also expertly weaves in themes of survival,
trust, and the limits of human endurance. The group dynamics add an additional
layer of intrigue, as trust is questioned, and alliances shift.
One of the strongest aspects of Panic Peak is its
exploration of fear and how it can either cripple or fuel people in times of
crisis. Leggitt’s characters feel real, with relatable flaws and motivations.
The story builds to a nail-biting climax that will leave readers breathless.
Overall, Panic Peak is a masterful thriller, perfect
for readers who enjoy high-stakes adventure combined psychological depth.
Overall Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Bill Liggett writes fiction that blends behavioral and earth sciences in the recent cli-fi (climate fiction) literary genre. His goal is to paint a hopeful future based on solutions to global warming.
He holds a BS in geology and an MA in education, both from Stanford University, and a PhD in applied social psychology from New York University. Among the many positions he has held over the years, he taught in high school and college, conducted behavioral science studies for IBM, and consulted with health care and educational organizations.
Wherever he lives, he loves being outdoors. Home for him has included the West Coast, East Coast, Alaska, and now Colorado, the state of his childhood. He and his wife, Cathy, live in Niwot, Colorado.
connect with author: website ~ X/twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
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