What readers think of Descent, plus links to write your own review.

On the one hand, this masterful novel grabbed me from the first chapter and I didn't want to put the book down. On the other hand, I didn't want to read too fast or too far so that I could dole out the pages like bites of a splendid meal! I want to meet the author and tell him to begin writing his next book immediately so that I don't have to wait too long for another serving of his gifted prose. Mr. Johnston has written a suspenseful kidnapping story while depicting the main characters' sadness, guilt and helplessness in a way that makes them real and unforgettable. This book is makes a powerful impression on the reader. Bravo!

Every once in a rare while a new book is written that fulfills every requirement a reader is looking for in a book. Tim Johnston has mastered that in penning "Descent". I cannot heap enough praise on this book. While reading it I was overcome with apprehension, sadness, anger, joy and at times found myself cringing as I continued to read; and read you must, this is not a book you can put down. Bring no assumptions to the table when you begin this book as they will soon be thrown to the wind.
OUTSTANDING writing!

If you're looking to read the usual nail-biting thriller, don't pick up this book. However, if you want to read a well-written story about a family that has something awful happen to them and watch them react, each in their own way, then whatever you do, don't pass up this book. It's a page-turner, and much of it had me racing to find out what would happen next. The writing is absolutely beautiful, and its beauty is almost jarring, considering the subject matter. Each character stays true to him or herself throughout the book, and the end is as satisfying as the rest. This is not what you'd expect from a thriller, but so much more. I look forward to Johnston's next book with great anticipation.

I don't usually read this genre, but am so glad I had the opportunity to read and preview Descent by Tim Johnstone!! The author used stunning, poetic prose to tell this brutal and heartbreaking story from multiple perspectives. This raw page-turner was so descriptive of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and the "descent" into madness of some of the characters. It was painful and emotional to read, but glad I did! I highly recommend this book and look forward to Mr. Johnstone's next book!

The book "Descent" is an intelligent and riveting story. The author's descriptions of the characters and surroundings gave me the sensation of being there. I could smell the fragrances, feel the snow on my face and could hear the wind and the sound of metal links.

During the building of the climax, I could not read fast enough. It was heart wrenching and disturbing at times. This made the story realistic...no sugar coating of the situations, bringing on unexpected renderings.

This book touches on many subjects: loss and love of your children, surviving under desperate circumstances, forgiveness and perseverance.

Mr. Johnston certainly wastes no time engaging one's rapt attention. Normally, I have little patience for so much descriptive writing, but this was executed so well that I found myself drawn into the moods of the characters and their surroundings (I could even smell the mountain pines.) This novelist's style gives genuine and deep substance to the people and places in the story, painting extremely vivid pictures, all serving to amplify the reader's interest in a page turning frenzy. This is a thrilling, well written work which will have your heart pounding as you tear through to the end. It is one of the best I have read for some time and I am pleased to have found a new author. It is definitely a book to be recommended to book clubs; I shall do so with mine.

Here is a book for you if you want to get chills while trying to solve the mystery... This books sews together family dynamics and mystery and mayhem. The first part of the book is a little confusing since it is told by many characters at different times in their lives...but you will soon put it together and sit down for a long and enjoyable ride. The characters in this book are very well developed and you end up knowing a lot about all of them...which one you choose to admire or not may surprise you! Read it on a winter day in front of the fireplace and I think you will enjoy the story.

This book drew me in like a magnet. The story is simple. A girl disappears and her family searches for her. But what Tim Johnston does with this story is what is amazing. His language and style has a mesmerizing feeling and hypnotizes the readers into the flow of the words. The reader has to work at the story to learn about the characters and get into their minds. Nothing is given away free in this book. The reader earns the right to love this novel - learning the mysteries and secrets. I really felt like I was there with each person, pushing on with them, not giving up. I could smell the pines, the sweat, the wilderness. I don't know how Johnston did it, but I read in his bio that he is a teacher of creative writing at U of Memphis, so he must be great at what he does. DESCENT shows his great ability. This is a book I'll read again when I'm not on a timeline. I want to hear the language a second time and love and hate the characters - their actions and words and the uniqueness of each page and character. This book left a lasting impression on me not because of the story, but because of the wonderful language experience. Don't miss this one!