Kara G. reviewed on 5/3/2013 + 82 more book reviews

Okay, its obvious from the beginning that this is the kind of book that will grab your attention in the same way someone can grab the front of your shirt and insists on keeping it until the last page. Apparently, someone is VERY determined to destroy Alexia Allens life from the beginning of the story. This is the kind of book that should be made into a movie (thats how I pictured the plot unfolding while reading it).

Even though Alexia is a firefighter and smokejumper (had to look this one up and found it on Wikipedia. A smokejumper is a wildland firefighter who parachutes into a remote area to combat wildfires), the book only has her on active duty at the start. I really wish there had been more parts of the story allowing her to be an active firefighter. She thinks like a first responder and firefighter throughout the book, but she doesnt get to play a hero in this book as a killer hunts her down.

As great as this story was, there were a few things I didnt enjoy about it:
Police officers are killed
There is intense abuse in Alexias family
There are minor characters in the story who question Alexias innocence
There are some parts of the plot that are left unanswered (which leaves room for a sequel but I really wanted more questions answered)

In spite of the above mentioned, I was really taken with this story. One thing I loved about this book, someone names her pets after Star Wars characters.what a treat to read about Yoda and Chewy! When the Smoke Clears is extremely well written, nonstop action, and there is no profanity as we watch constant attempts on Alexias life and those around her. There are three house fires, one explosion, and several unexpected attacks so there is plenty of violence but I considered the purpose to all of it and realized the MAIN message in this story was about forgiveness. There is much tragedy in Alexias family that causes her to leave home the day she graduates from high school and so many things go unanswered or are forgotten because of the trauma she experienced. She has several flashbacks in the story and finally understands all that happened. She learns how much God loves her, starts reading her best friends Bible, and learns to pray for the first time. It is a nice ending and despite my not liking everything that went on, the story had my full attention and thats evidence of great writing!

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