This Thriller's on Fire

If you’re looking for a fast-paced Christian thriller, check out Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink. The Elements of Danger series is perfect for fans of man-versus-nature survival stories with a page-turning plot. This inspirational first novel is a wild ride with just enough humor and charm to deliver a well-balanced story that incorporates Christian faith throughout the narrative. With the second book, Raging Waters, set to release March 3, 2026, now’s a great time to dive right in!

SYNOPSIS: In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she’s suddenly in possession of someone’s baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.

As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he’s the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn’t want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he’s in this thing, like it or not.

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby’s missing mother--all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

Experience the explosive start to this nail-biting series from USA Today bestselling author Dana Mentink!

GENRE: Christian Thriller

AVAILABILITY: Amazon, (ebook, paperback, hardback, audiobook), Barnes & Noble (ebook, paperback, audiobook, large print),

OPENING THOUGHTS: Packed full of fast-paced action and plenty of suspense, Dana Mentink delivers a fascinating story of surviving against all odds in this human-vs-nature Christian thriller. If you enjoy extreme situations blended with light-hearted banter and heart-warming moments of compassion, you’ll love this page-turning read!

ACTION/ADVENTURE: I loved the story’s backdrop. Mentink creates a vivid sense of urgency with an unpredictable volcano. Suspense builds as Mount Ember throws trials at determined Kit Garrido, her would-be hero Cullen Landry, and vulnerable baby Tot. Environmental threats, such as earthquakes, mudslides, toxic air, cold temperatures, flooding, and lava, heighten the adventure. Kit, Cullen, and Tot aren’t alone and they can’t seem to shake the persistent armed men who dog them at every turn. With Tot’s missing mother and Kit’s memory loss after a crash in her big rig, the mystery unfolds. Blood stains, bullet holes, and vague memories of a mysterious hitchhiker lead Kit to search for answers. Menacing pursuers, car chases, and last-minute escapes keep your heart pounding in this exciting book!

ROMANCE: A light romance develops between Kit and Cullen as they share their backstories during the course of their dynamic escape. The surrounding perils help the couple open up about the hurts of the past and drive them to find a way forward to heal. Occasional close contact is made, and gentle kisses are shared, but the relationship is primarily built on mutual respect, vulnerable conversations, and comedic relief.

FAITH: A clear faith element persists throughout the novel. Each character struggles with finding forgiveness and surrendering control in their lives, and these themes are explored as the book progresses. Cullen and Kit both pray to God and seek help at various points throughout the journey, and it’s faith in God that ultimately gets them through the worst of their ordeals.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Dana Mentink pulls out all the stops in this fast-paced thriller, but don’t worry, no babies were harmed in the writing of this book. If you enjoy stories featuring determined heroines and everyday heroes, you’ll find something to love in Fire Mountain. It’s a tense but exciting ride to follow Kit and Cullen as they work together to save baby Tot and escape their pursuers and the volatile volcano. With inspirational themes, a hint of romance, and elements of suspense, this book remains riveting from beginning to end.

Content warnings include mentions of blood, a truck crash, death by gunshot, death by environmental threats, mention of a body, bullets flying, improvised weapons used in self-defense, mentions of human trafficking, a traumatic accident, and extreme environmental conditions.

*This review is featured in the Winter 2025 Edition of Clean Fiction Magazine

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