Activist Henrietta Owens is hurtling toward the coal company like a ‘social terrorist in a hijacked plane’ fueled by the necessity of change. Every word she says is true . . . and people know it. Coal company lawyer Jack Dalton’s world is about to implode.

With her infant in her arms, Henrietta shakes the nation awake with some tough-loving truth about coal, climate change, and the future of humanity. The coal company wants her stopped at any cost. Jack Dalton’s morality and career collide as the boss threatens to use murder, tear gas, imprisonment and violence. The stakes are high: life, death, the extinction of humanity. Jack’s wife crosses the line of loyalty, his daughter lectures him on heroism, the Appalachians foment a revolution, and the ghost of legendary John Henry shows up to haunt him. The climate change countdown is ticking. Political pressures heat up. The sleeping giant of the common man awakens with a roar. One question hammers in Jack’s ears: what are you going to do?

Author/Actress Rivera Sun sings the anthem of our times. Steam Drills celebrates the everyday heroes hidden in activists and soccer moms, alike. Rich metaphor and exquisite writing thrust this novel into the realms of literary greatness, while the story grabs the social issues of our times by the collar and shakes them hard. A soaring tribute to the beauty of the human spirit and also a scathing indictment of contemporary American culture, this unforgettable book seizes you at the first page and sends you flying out the other side, refreshed, rejuvenated and empowered to change. Have a good read.

Reviews and Comments from Readers:

“This story draws you in and doesn’t let you go. The language and poetry of the writing is beautiful, descriptive, and pure pleasure to soak in. Each character pops off the page and leaps forward – you root for them and feel inspired by them and their challenges. I had a hard time putting the book down as the suspense grew and hope for each character mounted. The author weaves a tapestry of love and challenge with poetry, sound, and color. The words seem to have this tangible quality – almost like I could put my hands on the loom and feel them. Remarkable and memorable. I highly recommend this inspiring book for the magic it creates and the change it inspires!” – Dawn Hayes

“Steam Drills, Treadmills, and Shooting Stars tells us quite simply how our love for ourselves and others can transform the suffering in this world. No less great than the teachings of all spiritual teachers. A modern story of compassion and possibility for humanity from the heart and soul of Rivera Sun.” – Kathleen Dudley