Book Review: Mammoth by Brian McBride
Synopsis
In this thrilling tale, following his father’s death, young, offbeat paleontologist-to-be Tommy Rhodes finds solace in a weather-beaten lighthouse in Mammoth, Washington. It’s his hideout, his party place with the Jailbirds, his chosen family. A storm reveals a secret within the lighthouse’s walls, thrusting Tommy and the Jailbirds – Jude, Maya, Mars, and newcomer Lydia – into a dangerous quest for truth. They uncover Mammoth’s hidden secrets, threatening their friendship and testing their courage as they seek justice.
I got my hands on Mammoth by Brian McBride because I saw it on bookstagram and was instantly hooked by the idea of an adventure novel. I hadn’t read anything by Brian McBride before, so I was super excited to finally dive in. I went for the paperback edition and let me tell you, being able to annotate it was amazing! And guess what? I finished it in just 4 days!
Review of the book
Plot
I have to say, this book was like a rollercoaster ride – fast, thrilling, and totally gripping. From page one, I was all in, and the pace never let up. It’s like the author had this invisible hook that kept me glued to each page.
And those clues and hints weaved into the storyline? Pure genius! It was like a treasure hunt, picking up pieces as I went along, trying to solve the puzzle before the grand reveal.
Setting
Wow, the way that the author painted the rainy Washington coast — it was nothing short of mesmerizing! There was something about the perpetual drizzle, the foggy cliffs, and the moody waves that made the perfect backdrop for an old-fashioned treasure hunt. It wasn’t just the natural elements, though.
The author cleverly used the location to delve deeper into the socioeconomic divisions in the plot. The affluent “bluecoats” resided on the cliffs, while the poor “jailbirds” stayed at sea level. It was a brilliant way to bring the dynamics of class into the story, and I loved it!
Characters
I’ve got to say, the characters are the lifeblood of this book. Each one is so deeply layered and complex, it’s like the author has breathed life into them. And what’s more, the multiple points of views add an extra layer of richness to the narrative, letting us peek into the innermost thoughts and desires of both main and side characters.
Honestly, the way the author crafted their found family, it just warms my heart. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be part of such a tightly-knit, loving group? All in all, this book is a gem, and the characters? They’re its brightest spark.
Tropes
This book truly spoke to my heart with its sweet friends-to-lovers trope. You know that warm, fuzzy feeling when two characters who’ve known each other forever, finally realize they’re perfect for each other?
Yeah, that’s exactly what this book gives you.
Plus, there’s an incredible found family element. It’s one of those narratives where a group of misfits somehow find each other, and even though they’re not tied by blood, they become each other’s family.
It’s so wholesome and heartwarming. But what truly sets this book apart is the treasure hunt with some serious gothic vibes. It’s thrilling, it’s exciting, it’s totally addictive.
All these elements come together to make a book that’s hard to put down.
Writing Style
The writing style was like a cool breeze on a hot day, completely refreshing and wholly invigorating. It wasn’t just words on a page, it was an experience, a journey that wasn’t confined by the boundaries of paper.
And the dialogue?
It was like each word, each sentence, perfectly timed and masterfully written together.
It propelled the story at such a pace that before I knew it, I was turning the last page, craving for more. It wasn’t just a good read, it was a literary feast that left me satiated yet yearning for another serving.
My thoughts on the book
Honestly, I can’t recommend this book enough if you’re on the hunt for an adventure novel that seamlessly incorporates the sweetest romance subplot.
Brian McBride’s writing talent is seriously undeniable! It’s guaranteed to bring some serious spark to your bookshelf. Seriously, this guy is totally underrated and his work is a must-read for everyone!
The characters are so vivid and relatable that you’ll find yourself deeply invested in their journeys. The setting, too, is so well-detailed and immersive that you’ll feel like you’re right there with them.
Before you know it, you’ll have binge-read the entire series and be eagerly awaiting the last release!
About the author
Brian McBride’s journey is more than just entrepreneurial. He’s an author, with fan-favorite novels like “Mammoth” and its sequel, “Titan“, published in 2022. He’s also a pastor, serving at Encounter City Church in Santa Rosa, CA.
His faith is at the heart of all he does, inspiring both his storytelling and his ministry. His mission? To reveal the full glory of the Lord through every story he tells and every gift he stewards.
