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REVIEW: Climbing Fear by Leisl Leighton
If you’re looking for a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled read, look no further than Climbing Fear by Leisl Leighton. This novel tells the story of Jo Taylor, a skilled climber who teams up with her ex-boyfriend, Blake, to search for her missing brother in the Tasmanian wilderness. But as they climb higher and higher, they soon realize that they are not alone on the mountain. In this page-turning thriller, Leighton expertly weaves together action, romance, and suspense to create a truly gripping read.
Leisl Leighton is an accomplished author of romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Her work has been published both in Australia and internationally, and she has won numerous awards for her writing. With Climbing Fear, Leighton proves once again that she is a master of the romantic suspense genre.
Main themes and ideas
At its core, Climbing Fear is a story about the power of love and redemption. Jo and Blake’s relationship is complicated, to say the least, and their shared history adds an extra layer of tension to their already perilous journey. As they climb higher up the mountain, they must confront not only their feelings for each other, but also their own fears and insecurities. Leighton skillfully uses the setting of the Tasmanian wilderness to heighten the stakes and make the danger feel all too real.
Another key theme of Climbing Fear is the importance of trust and communication. Jo and Blake’s relationship fell apart because of a lack of these two things, and as they navigate the treacherous terrain together, they must learn to rely on each other once again. Along the way, they also encounter other characters who struggle with trust and communication, highlighting how these issues can have devastating consequences.
Writing style and effectiveness
Leisl Leighton’s writing style is fast-paced and engaging, with vivid descriptions that pull the reader right into the story. Her action scenes are expertly choreographed, and the sensuality between Jo and Blake sizzles off the page. However, there are moments where the prose can feel a bit heavy-handed, with characters commenting on their emotional states in a way that can feel repetitive or melodramatic.
Overall, though, Climbing Fear is an effective and exciting read. Leighton expertly ratchets up the tension as the characters climb higher up the mountain, and the stakes feel genuinely high. The romance between Jo and Blake is compelling and adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the story.
Strengths and weaknesses
One of the main strengths of Climbing Fear is the way that Leighton uses the setting to create a sense of danger and urgency. The Tasmanian wilderness is a harsh and unforgiving environment, and the characters must confront not only physical obstacles, but also their own doubts and fears. The romance is also a strength of the novel, with Jo and Blake’s chemistry sizzling off the page.
One weakness of the novel, however, is that some of the other characters feel a bit underdeveloped. While Jo and Blake are clearly the main focus, other characters who play important roles in the story feel like they could use a bit more fleshing out. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, there are moments where the prose can feel a bit clunky or heavy-handed.
Comparison to other works in the genre
Climbing Fear fits squarely into the romantic suspense genre, and it holds its own against other works in the genre. Fans of authors like Nora Roberts or Jayne Ann Krentz are likely to enjoy this novel, with its high-stakes action and steamy romance. However, the novel is also unique in its setting and the way that Leighton incorporates elements of the thriller genre into the story.
Overall impression and recommendation
Overall, Climbing Fear is a gripping and entertaining read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While there are certainly moments where the prose can feel a bit heavy-handed, the compelling characters and high-stakes action make up for it. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense or are just looking for a thrilling read, Climbing Fear is definitely worth checking out.
FAQ
Is Climbing Fear a standalone novel or part of a series?
Climbing Fear is a standalone novel.
Are there any content warnings for the novel?
The novel contains some violence and sexual content.
Would you recommend this novel to readers who are new to the romantic suspense genre?
Yes, Climbing Fear is a great entry point for readers who are new to the genre, as it combines elements of romance, suspense, and action to create a thrilling read.
