Review: Realistic Survival Story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 29, 2013
Read on, no plot spoilers here. . .Two Up...1.  This is a realistic survival story, which gathers momentum quickly as the main character's situation goes from bad to worse.  I like the fact this story tells both sides of the story; David's adventure as well as what is going on a home with his family and the rescue operation. There is no point in which you doubt the author knows what he is talking about! They say write what you know and W.R. Benton knows Alaska, surviving strategies, and clearly has some kind of military or search and rescue crew background. The descriptions of both the survival techniques, the setting, and search and rescue methods sound and feel true to life.2. The main character is great, he is both well-prepared and intelligent, but young, scared, and not above making mistakes. I like the fact he takes no pleasure in killing animals, even ones that try to harm him. He recognizes he must kill to survive, but is not completely able to see the animals as nothing but a food source. There is a nice, realistic balance in his behavior, sometimes he reacts out of instinct and fear, other times he makes well-reasoned, logical decisions.One Down. . .1. Some awkward moments. Most of the dialogue, especially that of the rescue crew, sounds normal and realistic. However, the emotional parts of this book (both dialogue, inner thoughts, and memories) can sound a bit stilted and awkward. Benton is not a literary writer, and this book is not a drama, so I don't feel as though this is a major defect to the story.Overall: The writing itself is not brilliant, but this is made up for by the fact the author know what he is talking about. The survival techniques, setting, character's actions and reactions, even animal behavior, feels genuine. For that reason I have chosen to give the book four stars.You might like this book if you read realism, survival stories (Julie and the Wolves, Hatchet, Island of the Blue Dolphins, etc), books about Alaska, or simply like adventures about surviving the elements.For more great Indie Book Reviews Check out:[...]