Dan Kane is the self-proclaimed "king of his castle" - his beachfront California home - and rules his subjects with a loving but undisputed will. His wife, Cathryn fears him; as do his four children, Tommy, Travis, Allison and Nate. Hardened by his years in law enforcement, he is determined to toughen his children up in order to prepare them to face a violent and unforgiving world. This leads to each member of the family paying both a physical and psychic price for Dan's unwitting cruelty towards them.

Catheryn, who loves her husband, must defend her children against him. Tommy, the oldest child, suffers the most for being his father's "chosen one". Favored for his physical strength and football prowess, Tommy, meets with tragedy for defying Dan's authority. Allison, the only girl and a budding writer, abandons all hope of ever gaining her father's approval and so is deprived of his protection. Nate, the baby at only nine years old must keep a terrible secret or risk his father's wrath. And Travis, the second son, must suffer his father's ridicule for his love of music and other such "weak" pursuits until he finally has to stand up and face down the father he loves dearly but has grown to hate.

This is actually a re-read for me. I don't actually remember when I read this book for the first time, but I was delighted to learn that not only is Steve Gannon still writing, but that his second book Kane can either be bought in Kindle format or as a paperback. I am definitely reserving my copy today! :) I give this book an A+! and am currently also placing Glow on my wishlist as well. ( )