An abusive father. A devoted sister. When danger strikes, she’ll walk through fire to protect her family. Despite years of trauma, Kimmie’s faith has never faltered. And after her mom’s unexpected death, Kimmie risks everything to save her autistic brother from a life of neglect and abuse.Caught in the crosshairs of a dangerous dilemma, she dashes out with her brother into the bitter Alaskan night dilemma, she dashes out with her brother into the bitter Alaskan night. With the devil in pursuit and the law on her stepdad’s side, Kimmie must brave the perils of the freezing wilderness in a desperate attempt to finally reach safety.
Can Kimmie survive the daring escape, or has she doomed both herself and her brother to a frozen grave?
Termination Dust is a standalone novel in the unforgettable Alaskan Refuge Christian Suspense series. If you like determined characters, harsh landscapes, and faith under fire, then you’ll love Alana Terry’s riveting novel.
Buy Termination Dust to dive headfirst into a gripping adventure today!
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I got to listen to this book recently on the Unabridged podcast, and what an interesting story! I love how Terry takes a setting that is somewhat familiar and turns it completely on its head—all while letting God’s grace and love shine through as only He can do.
This book, like many of her others, was quite suspenseful. I had a hard time putting it down! It’s not one of my top favorites of hers—perhaps because I was really annoyed by a couple of the characters whom I was supposed to be annoyed with—but it was still a very good story. One of my favorite parts was how the main character kept referring back to her mother’s Bible verse songs to encourage herself in the different situations she faced. And Pip. I loved that little guy.
Recommended for all Christian suspense lovers who enjoy a slight twist of romance as well. A good book overall, and worth a read, although I doubt I would ever re-read it.
Trigger warning: One of the major themes in this book is that the main character’s mother has just died, apparently by suicide. This runs throughout the book, with a few details here and there—none gruesome.
Kimmie is a amazing young lady. The way she try’s to protect Pip is truly inspirational. Taylor is a wonderful young man. He protects Kimmie and Pip and he puts his life in danger doing this. Chuck is a awful person to everyone around him. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story
She’ll do anything to protect her little brother…
Aside from the fact that this is an Alana Terry book, I think what really captured my attention was the rather enigmatic title. Termination Dust, what even is it? Sorry, you’ll just have to read the book to find out. I didn’t really read the blurb before starting the book on my Kindle. After all, it IS an Alana Terry book so I knew I wanted to read it.
The Alaskan Refuge Christian Suspense series is a little different from the author’s other series’ as it relies a lot more on the romantic suspense angle. While I wasn’t able to get into Termination Dust as much as I did the first book it was still a good story. Kimmie’s single-minded determination to protect her little brother at all costs is very emotionally moving. And, sadly, the abuse and mental trauma they endure is quite realistic. But the overarching theme of hanging onto faith through even the darkest circumstances is encouraging for readers facing their own difficulties.
Whether you are into gripping and gritty stories or you love fiction set in the vivid, and dangerous, Alaskan landscape Termination Dust and the rest of Alana Terry’s edgy Alaskan Refuge Christian Suspense series is one you should check out.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
What I think you should know:
Termination Dust in a contemporary novel set in rural Alaska. Kimmie , her mother and brother have been under the controlling hand of her abusive stepfather for too long, but have tried to make the best of the situation and take care of each other. When Kimmie’s mother unexpectedly commits suicide Kimmie must take the brunt of the abuse to protect brother.
What you might want to know:
Kimmie suffers horrible emotional abuse and extreme poverty at the hands of her stepfather. This book talks about her struggles and fears. She stays in the situation to keep her little brother who has autism safe.
What you touched me about this book:
Alana Terry, the author writes powerful books that capture my attention right away and keep it the whole time, this book was no exception. Kimmie has such amazing faith, even when times are beyond hard she keeps her faith in God, she trusts in Him to help her find a way to keep them safe. She she been isolated from her family and from society however she has fought to find ways to keep herself and her brother safe. She is such an inspirational character.
Who will enjoy this book just to name a few:
Fans of Suspense
Fans of Mysteries
Fans of Christian Fiction
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Termination dust
I loved reading books set in Alaska, I always learned something new about Alaska
This book was fast reading, it kept me interested from start to finish. It was a hard book to read because of Chuck being so mean. Kimmie Mom died at the first of it so she is left to care for her little brother. She keeps trying to find a why to escape from her stepdad. Will she ever get away?
I loved Kimmie, she was so brave and determined. Her sister wanted to help but was so irritating at times.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This review is my own opinion.
I absolutely love how this author writes stories that are hard hitting and realistic. Domestic abuse and child abuse has been a touchy subject for years. In this story we see how horrific emotional and physical abuse really is. The characters are written with an emotional tug on the heart. I instantly connected to Kimmie and how she fiercely wanted to protect her mom and little brother. She has been through so much and her self esteem is so low that she finds herself worthless at times.
Day after day Kimmie’s mom endures the terror of Chuck. He is Kimmie’s step-dad and has no love for anyone or anything except beer. He is lazy and cold-hearted . Someday her mother plans to leave him, but it never happens. I cringed when I read how little food they had and how they went to bed every night scared for their lives.
It is hard to describe the anger I felt as I read the story and how I wanted to yank Chuck by his ears and throw him outside. The author does an amazing job of letting us inside a home where everyday is chaos. Kimmie’s mom has done a great job instilling faith in her children and that is where her strength comes from. Kimmie is a hero to me because she didn’t think of herself, but of her brother and mom.
There is a bit of violence in the story but it is only to detail the truth of domestic violence. The author does not go into graphic details, but does get her point across with words in a compassionate way. There is a tragedy in the story which heightens Kimmie’s need to leave with her brother instantly.
I did enjoy how Kimmie’s older sister came into the story. Kimmie has always felt abandoned by her and there is a lot of hurt and jealousy that needs to be fixed. It is always hard when you see someone having a good life when you are struggling everyday to stay alive. The author delivers an emotional journey as these two sisters try to repair their relationship.
The last part of the book is tense filled and I was on the edge of my seat as Kimmie looked death in the face. Chuck will stop at nothing to cover up his crime and Kimmie must use her faith and trust in God to protect her. I especially liked this part of the story because it gives readers a look at what faith is really like. I won’t tell you anymore because I don’t want to spoil the story. I loved the scripture that Kimmie repeated a lot which was ” I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” The author has delivered a timely story that reminds us to never give up and to trust Him with all your needs.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
My Thoughts on Termination Dust:
Termination Dust held me spellbound. It was a fast and quick read for me as I became captivated by the characters and couldn’t break away.
I fell in love with Kimmie and her trooper Taylor. At times I wanted to smack her sister though because of her carefree attitude and her flirtatious nature. But later, once I knew what she was going through, I truly felt sorry for her.
Kimmie and her brother have a hard life at home that becomes even more so after her mother’s suicide, or was it a suicide? How can Kimmie keep them clothed and fed and safe when her stepfather refuses to let her work anymore? Will she ever be safe again?
Wow. Just wow. This book was amazing. I loved it. The author has a style that keeps you reading because you think you know what will happen next but you’re not really sure so you better keep reading just in case it’s not as predictable as it seems. Yeah, that will make total sense once you read the book.
Alana Terry has a great suspense read here. More than just great suspense though we also see some hard topics brought up. I’m seeing a lot with hard topics these days. It’s like the flood gates have opened and authors have decided people need to hear and see these things and I’m okay with that.
In Termination Dust, we are exposed to alcoholism, cheating, abuse, and autism. Such a wide array of things going on and mentioned.
You’re going to love this book. Quick aside, as soon as I finished this book I read another one of Alana’s. And then I went in search of another! They’re that good. Definitely a recommend from me.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Alana Terry brings us the second fast-paced, intense novel in the Alaskan Refuge series, that of a young woman and her little brother in true need of refuge. Kimmie has never been on a date, had to quit high school early, and is responsible for her little brother, Pip. Violence and extreme poverty is “normal” in this family, and we open to what appears to have been Kimmie’s mother’s suicide. We see a glimpse inside this family and how her late mother’s legacy of faith led Kimmie to do – and survive – the unthinkable.
Kimmie sees termination dust on the mountain peaks. Termination dust is what looks like dust when the first snow falls on the peaks. To most, it represents the end of summer and start of school. For Kimmie, it once meant hope, as she was able to escape the abuse for the hours she was in class.
Kimmie now works in a preschool, which gets her stepfather Chuck more money to drink away. Those hours gave her mother a break from worrying about Kimmie and Pip being harmed by Chuck. Pip is three but doesn’t speak yet, so preschool is when he gets to play with other children and toys and get two meals a day.
Kimmie’s mother talked for years of escaping the little trailer and getting to her older daughter, Meg’s, home in Anchorage where her husband is a real estate mogul. For the first year after Pip’s birth, Mom was too exhausted to try to go; the following years she wanted to have enough money for an attorney so she could get custody of Pip. Kimmie is now determined to get Pip away. Taylor, the state trooper who had been at the trailer after Kimmie found her mother’s body, saw her at the daycare when he went to talk to the children about safety. Taylor gave her his business card and told her to call if she needs anything, but she shares nothing of the abuse with him.
When Kimmie’s stepfather aims his rifle at her and slides the bolt back one night, only an interruption from Pip saved Kimmie. The power is out because he didn’t pay it again, and she sees one chance of getting away. She leads Pip on a path into the forest to avoid being seen on the highway. As the night gets colder, Kimmie fears the worst for Pip. Would he become hypothermic? Get frostbite? The one thing that carries her through, just like many nights before, is remembering the scripture songs her mother used to sing and singing them to Pip. She does believe in God, but the years she prayed to get away from Chuck leads her to believe that God doesn’t answer prayers.
This is an intense novel of a mustard seed of faith and survival. It is driven by terror and other emotions as Kimmie goes on the run. Until one endures the life that Kimmie and her mother endured, one has no way to know or understand why they remained in a terrible situation. Kimmie refused to leave her mother or brother alone to deal with Chuck. She resented her sister for her seeming air of superiority yet doesn’t know the truth of what Meg’s life is like now. All she knows is she must save Pip at any cost. It is a fast read that shows how isolated and terrifying it is for those who live in abuse. I highly recommend it to Christians who want to learn more about those in need of help from abusive situations. It might not be suitable for teens and adults sensitive to violence.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and CelebrateLit and this is my honest review.
Termination Dust is part of the Alaskan Refuge series by Alana Terry. Having read a number of this author’s books, I was looking forward to reading this one and was not disappointed. Terry expertly draws readers right into her stories and this story is no exception. Kimmie is a young woman who has a past and a present that are filled with terror and abuse. After her mother’s traumatic death, she knows she has to get out but how? Where? Who will help? Surely God has more for her than the confusion and fear she has lived with for years. Is the termination dust on the mountains a sign that something is about to change? With great characters (a handsome, caring State Trooper, a nasty step-father, a sweet innocent brother, and a sister who left a long time ago) twists and turns to the plot, romantic tension, a touch of faith, lots of suspense and action, Termination Dust keeps the reader’s interest high. Loved the ending…but you’ll have to read that for yourself. Be sure to get your book as soon as possible.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
Part suspense and part emotional drama, Terminal Dust was an easy book to pick up yet not so easy to put down. I was quickly drawn into Kimmie’s world and felt as if I were standing right in the midst of it. This also made several parts difficult to read due to the extremely abusive behavior of her stepdad. To say her life was a nightmare is an understatement. It felt as if my own life couldn’t continue until Kimmie and Pip had reached safety. With content awareness I believe this is a read I’m sure suspense fans would easily devour.
*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Termination dust is when the first snow falls on the mountain peaks in Alaska defining the end of summer. What does this mean to you or I in our warm homes with plenty of food on the table? Not very much, I’m sure. But for those whose coats are thin, little food is available and not much warmth to be found, it can become life or death. Under those circumstances, would you believe that God has only your best in mind?
What a great way to spend an afternoon. The author has a way of describing suspenseful scenes that leave you holding your breath, wondering if the perpetrator will win this time! The tension never lets up, starting with the abusive stepfather, no food, cold – oh so cold and continues with murder, attempted murder and arson. Will Kimmie and Pip survive this horror? She is a shining example of the verse quoted in the beginning of the book. ‘All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.’ – Isaiah 54:13 Her mother taught her very well.
I received an ARC through CelebrateLit. The five star rating was in no way solicited. The comments, impressions and opinions stated are my own.
This was definitely more of a suspense than a romance book but I loved the romance that was in it. One of the most romantic endings ever!!! Kimmie has had a very hard life and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. There were a few twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put the book down. She had a great support system – but she just wouldn’t or couldn’t see a way out of her situation. Makes me want to read the rest of the series.