Two reviews in one! Eruption a Crichton & Patterson novel and Deep Fire Rise by Gosch. Both novels tell stories about a volcano eruption. However, the novels are dramatically different in focus. Included is a fantastic recipe for Volcano Fudge, a rich chocolate fudge with just a hint of fire.
Michael Crichton’s last novel, Eruption, has finally been released thanks to a partnership with James Patterson. They explore events leading to a volcano eruption in Hawaii. Deep Fire Rise tells a fictional story of events leading up to the real eruption of Mount St. Helens, WA.
Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson
and
Volcano Fudge
inspired by 2 Natural Disaster Novels
Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson
and Deep Fire Rise by Jon Gosch
Outline and Tone:
Starting with Eruption. Michael Crichton is known for his intelligent writing. Afterall, he can even make rebirthing dinosaurs seem plausible. His stories are many-layered and fast paced. James Patterson is also known for fast paced novels. His works have hidden secrets and misleading threads. Eruption seems to have the best of both. There is enough science in the novel to see Crichton’s touches and plot structure. There are several characters that smart bring reasoning to their actions. There are also some sordid relations and enough people making foolish decisions that reminded me of many of Patterson’s side characters.
Overall, the novel is not quite as smart as a typical Crichton novel, but still enjoyable to Crichton fans, like myself, that jump into his fictional science and wonder if he could be right.
Deep Fire Rise couldn’t be more polar opposite of Eruption if someone tried to. The book is almost entirely about the characters who live near Mount St. Helens. And characters they are! A retired sheriff, a thief, hermits living off of squirrels, and average joes. The people intersect and intertwine living their daily lives under the ever-present, ever-expanding bulge on Mount St. Helens. If you remember the explosion or if you watch videos, you know there were months of uncertainty and only minutes of the powerful explosion. Gosch spends the vast majority of the novel growing his characters before the explosion. I would characterize this novel as stories of the lives of small town Washington. The characters do lead interesting lives and their stories are intriguing, but this is not an action packed novel in the same way as Eruption is.
The authors: Michael Crichton, James Patterson and Jon Gosch
Michael Crichton. It is impossible to sum up the extensive work and contributions he made. To say he was a successful author would be an understatement. His novels have been translated into 38 languages and have sold more than 200 million copies. While he may be best known for Jurassic Park, my favorite novel of his is Prey, a novel about invasive microbots. Michael Crighton died unexpectedly at the age of 66. He was fighting cancer at the time, but he was expected to recover. Sadly for his family and the literary world, he did not. His website is extensive and lists his work in novels and in movies. His people keep his information active on social media. You can find his information on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Youtube.
James Patterson has written over 200 books. He famously writes thrillers with his main character Alex Cross. He has also written children’s books. He has won awards in both genres. One of the best features to Mr. Patterson is his philanthropic work. He has donated over 7.5 million to libraries, schools, and scholarships. He is a man who deserves respect in regards to his writing and his charitable work. He has an active website that lists all of his work as well as coming events. He maintains an active social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, X, GoodReads, and Youtube.
Jon Gosch is a Washington state native. He originally published his novel in 2018 and drew more attention when he was nominated at the Western Writers of America as a finalist for Best Contemporary Novel at the annual Spur Awards. His website reviews the books he has written as well as his naturalist activities.
What is not to like?:
If you are hoping for a novel with the complexity of several of Michael Crichton novels. Or you are hoping for a suspense filled mystery that represents much of James Patterson’s work, you will be disappointed. Instead this is a great blend of both author’s styles.
Likewise, Deep Fire Rise is not an action packed novel, but rather contemporary fiction of the people in the Pacific Northwest.
The verdict:
I did enjoy both novels and the Volcano Fudge was the perfect level of spicy. Give them all a try!
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
Volcano Fudge
Assemble the Ingredients
Line an 8X8 dish with parchment paper to help you get the fudge out of the dish easily once it has set up.
This dessert is assembled in a double-boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, just use a large pan, half filled with water (bring to a boil) and place another dish on top. Don’t let the bottom of the top pan tough the water. Placing a double boiler on top helps to regulate the temperature.
Add the salt, cinnamon, chili powder, and red pepper flakes to the top pot.
Melt half of the butter with the spices then half of the chocolate.
Add the sweetened condensed milk with a whisk.
Keep stirring while you add the rest of the butter and chocolate.
Finally mix in the vanilla.
When everything is melted and blended , take it off the double boiler.
Pour it into the parchment paper pan and spread it.
Now for the fun part!
Sprinkle the top with red dusting sugar to symbolize the magma!
Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
After it has set up, remove from the pan by lifting the parchment paper. Then use a warmed sharp knife to cut into squares.
The best way to warm the knife is to hold it in warm running water.
Volcano Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 pound dark chocolate chips
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Line an 8X8 dish with parchment paper to help you get the fudge out of the dish easily once it has set up.
- Add the salt, cinnamon, chili powder, and red pepper flakes to the top pot of a double boiler.
- Melt half of the butter with the spices then half of the chocolate.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk with a whisk.
- Keep stirring while you add the rest of the butter and chocolate.
- Finally mix in the vanilla.
- When everything is melted and blended , take it off the double boiler.
- Pour it into the parchment paper pan and spread it.
- Sprinkle the top with red dusting sugar to symbolize the magma!
What would I do differently next time?
My sister added some salt flakes to the top of her piece and it added a great touch. Give it a try with your fudge.
Chocolate Mint Cookies from Chocolate Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke
Scout’s Brownies from Dying for Chocolate by Diane Mott Davidson
Hot Fudge Pie from Death in Four Courses by Lucy Burdette
Red Velvet Crunchies from Cake and Punishment by Maymee Bell
