Long-listed: The Times / Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2016
“Kiss of the Tsunami is definitely worth a read – a gripping story about survival and sacrifice.” Penguin Random House Writers’ Academy Facebook post.
“Rachel Rivers Porter is one of the successes of Penguin Random House Writers’ Academy. It was a fantastic achievement being long-listed by The Times Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition.” Rebecca Watson, Penguin Random House Writers’ Academy
“Kiss of the Tsunami is a sensitively written, authentic and emotive story of two teens from very different cultures swept up in a horrific event – the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. The author has done an excellent job of creating two narrators with very unique voices. The dual narrative is a clever plot device — Marti and Krista both have very unique voices and the differing perspectives is a great way of showing us two very different sides to the story… A unique and accomplished novel with excellent, moving writing. I really enjoyed this novel and think the writer has a lot of promise.” Chicken House Reader’s Report
“A heart-rending story with a serious message. Rachel Rivers Porter is an exciting, original new writer.” Bea Davenport – writer, lecturer, journalist
“I couldn’t put this book down! Lives touched beautifully in the midst of devastation and brought healing and hope.” Jan Vickers
“I absolutely loved this book! As an English teacher, we will be looking to buy a set of these as a class reader. Beautifully written and deals with a variety of themes such as survival, hope and healing.” Jane Rayson
“The author has really captured the two main characters and given them distinct voices, and really makes you feel like YOU are there! Great writing! I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone interested in that region, the Tsunami, or wanting a great story of two young people trying to find their way through a world of waves and crashes and love and trials and the deep blue unknown. Can’t remember the last time I read a book in one sitting!” Michael (aged 19)
“I loved it! The young age of the two protagonists may suggest that this is classified as ‘Young Adult’ fiction, but this deserves a wider audience and is an impressively mature work from a talented new author.” Neil Bailey – author of ‘When she was Bad’
“I was so captured by the story paralleling 2 young people and their mirrored experiences and the incredible descriptions of the tsunami and its aftermath. Some novels really do transcend age – this is one of them. If you are a secondary teacher – it would be a great class novel.” Miss R. Feasey – author of Jumpstart! Science
“Rachel Rivers Porter is a powerful new writer. ‘Kiss of the Tsunami’ is well researched, vividly imagined, peopled with characters who come alive, so that you can’t put the book down. One also gets valuable insights into how hard it is to be a good stepmother.” Penny Minney – author of ‘Crab’s Odyssey’
“An extraordinary novel from an incredible new voice!” Jill Hoyroyd
“A journey through dark and light, love and loss. I was spell-bound and didn’t want the story to end!” Maureen Rumfitt
“What a brilliantly written account! An amazing first novel, a compassionate and heart wrenching read!” Helen Elderkin
“What a brilliant account of a horrific natural disaster!” Richard Davies MBE
“A very rich and insightful book. I think it would appeal to readers who enjoy writers such as Michael Morpurgo.” Sarah Smith
“I was completely hooked by their stories which were believable and touching. Would recommend to older adults as well as young folk.” June Fettes
An intriguing, heartfelt novel, which makes you think about the value of life. Mairin Gibbons
“What a wonderful book! The melding of fact and fiction is excellent!” Ross Clifford
“A very moving story with realistic characters. A story of hope in adversity.” C.Houldsworth
“You painted a world with your words and I could see it.” Judith Grant
“Very evocative. Delicately balanced and ultimately rewarding. I’m immensely impressed with this debut novel!” Heather Mellars
A wonderful book with such cleverly interwoven strands and characters to identify with. I couldn’t put it down. Peter Ede
I loved this book, it weaves a clash of cultures into an intriguing drama of relationships amongst a disaster. Stephanie
“Fabulous! I really enjoyed reading your book. It reminded me of the way Jeffrey Archer writes -makes you want to read on.” Anne Ridley-Chamberlain
Rachel Rivers Porter is a brilliant writer. I don’t normally read novels and I loved Kiss of the Tsunami! David
“Loved reading this book! So interesting finding out about the Moken culture and following the central character through twists and turns that kept me guessing regarding the outcome to the very end. I thoroughly recommend this book as ideal for adults or older teens. ” Pam Bulman
It’s a compelling tale, set in a fascinating (but tragic) context and dealing with subtle and complex themes. Alan Kimmitt
I would highly recommend “Kiss of the Tsunami ” by Rachel Rivers Porter. The lives of the two main characters, Marti a sea gypsy and Krista a tourist, are cleverly interwoven as they are caught up in the Tsunami. Incredible descriptions of the impact of this tragic event. Sandra Bell
Such beautiful prose – Rachel obviously loved her subject and her characters; she has researched thoroughly and woven a wonderful story. Deborah Rookes
“Excellent read! I loved the way the story plays out between two points of view.” Julie Perkins
“This book “Kiss of The TSUNAMI,” written by Rachel Rivers Porter not only makes a brilliant read, it definitely will make an excellent novel for secondary schools in Nigeria. ” David Etor
“I met you on a sea eagle boat trip, and that’s when I learnt of Kiss of the Tsunami. ‘ So I have just finished your book, what a great read.” Irene Simpson
“I read it very quickly as it was intriguing with a great range of characters!” Daisy Bradshaw
“The reader is left with a wider appreciation of the full scale of the tragedy and its lasting effect on the countless lives of locals and tourists.” Sandi Poles
“A gripping page-turner. This novel is packed with interest and superbly crafted.” Helen Freeman