Preview
  • The North Line

  • A Novel
  • By: Matt Riordan
  • Narrated by: Dan Bittner
  • Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins
  • 3.9 out of 5 stars (55 ratings)

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The North Line

By: Matt Riordan
Narrated by: Dan Bittner
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Publisher's summary

In Matt Riordan’s debut novel, a college student in need of quick money finds work on an Alaskan fishing boat in the unforgiving Bering Sea.

The North Line is a ruggedly erudite story that combines the best of the individualism of Jack London with the introspective ruminations of Raymond Carver...not to be missed.” (S.A. Cosby, New York Times best-selling author of All the Sinners Bleed)

“A frightening story of tough men pushed to the brink. The novel is captivating, occasionally funny, and startling. I couldn’t put it down.” (David Sedaris)

Even at the ragged edge of civilization, some lines should not be crossed.

Everyone believes Adam to be something he’s not. Sometimes that’s because he’s told them a story. Sometimes he’s told himself one. But when Adam joins an Alaskan fishing crew that’s promising quick money, the dangerous work and harsh lifestyle strip away all fabrications and force a dark-hearted exploration of who he really is.

On the unforgiving Bering Sea, Adam finds the adventure and authenticity of a fisherman’s life revelatory. The labor required to seize bounty from the ocean invigorates him, and the often crude comradery accompanies a welcome, hard-earned wisdom. But when a strike threatens the entire season and violence stalks the waves, Adam is thrust into a struggle for survival at the edge of the world, where evolutionary and social forces collide for outcomes beyond anyone’s control.

In his riveting debut novel, Matt Riordan pairs personal experiences with a master storyteller’s eye in a piercing examination of the quest for identity in the face of tempests within and without.

©2024 Matt Riordan (P)2024 Audible, Inc.
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About the Creator

Matt Riordan grew up in Michigan but spent his early twenties working on commercial fishing boats in Alaska. After college Matt drifted from commercial fishing through a variety of jobs before landing in law school. He became a litigator in New York City, where he practiced for twenty years. He now lives with his family in Australia.

About the Performer- Dan Bittner

About the Performer

Dan Bittner is an Audie award winning narrator of multiple genres from nonfiction to sci-fi. He has received numerous Audiofile Earphones awards and an Odyssey award in 2019. Along with narration, Dan can also be seen on films such as The Wolf of Wall Street, The Post, and Brittany Runs a Marathon. He has recurring roles on HBO's The Leftovers and Evil on CBS as well as guest spots on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Blue Bloods, and many others. Dan has been seen on Broadway opposite Jullianne Moore as well as numerous Off Broadway productions.

What listeners say about The North Line

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Holy cow, that was good!!

I bought this online because it was on sale and sounded like something different. I couldn’t stop listening! Who knew fishing could be riveting. This author has a true gift of painting the scene and pulling you in.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

So great!

I loved this book! I can’t wait to get a printed copy too! This will definitely be one I’ll play as a road trip book with my husband and older teens- who are reluctant book readers. The characters are amazing. The story and setting are just the best- gritty, captivating, a balance of good and dark. I was worried that the ending would be a dud but I was so wrong- perfect ending!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Timeless, smart “Go west adventure”

The main character Adam sees the world in such a unique and intelligent way, his internal dialogue equal parts hilarious and genius. He is thrust into the dangerous world of Alaskan commercial fishing like a Louis L’Amour protagonist going west in search of riches. Caught between two worlds back home, in Alaska Adam faces an internal struggle that pushes him to the brink and ultimately reveals his true self. A brilliant debut by Riordan, his talent for language is undeniable and entertaining.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Summer Read!

I was riveted!! Really enjoyed learning about the Alaskan fishing trade while enjoying a story about a young man trying to make it. The narration was terrific. Highly recommend!!

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Not worth reading

I kept waiting for the story to get better and it never did. Not worth reading.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Well written

The ending leaves you hanging and wanting to know, “what happens next”. Great descriptions and believable characters. I’d read more from this author.

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6 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Depressing story

I listened to the entire book but didn’t like it. Characters lacked regard for the people around them. If this is representative of the Alaskan commercial fishing scene, it displays a disregard for people and sea creatures alike.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Dark Slice of Life

This is a very dark slice-of-life novel of Alaskan fishing.

It feels like the author has personal experience of both the pain and the cutthroat society of fishing in the far north. The characters are believably drawn and the character arc of the protagonist is plausible. And the writing was tight enough to hold my attention to the end.

But the plot is thin, the protagonist does not have much agency, and most of the characters are unsympathetic.

For the right reader, I suspect this will be great. I am not that reader. I respect what it does, but I don't much like it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Vivid and Realistic Adventure & Suspense

A wild trip with a newbie fisherman—a college student is pressed to the unspeakable.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Surprisingly entertaining

This novel lies somewhere between page-turning mainstream fiction, and more “serious” literary fiction. The four main characters are extremely well-developed, particularly the protagonist, Adam. At one moment you’re on his side, the next you’re thinking what a dumb-ass he is. But the story is so perfectly paced and exciting that it’s easy to just jump on board the boat and enjoy it. The ending was a bit abrupt, but this is still a book that I’ll enthusiastically recommend.

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9 people found this helpful