The story is set in a future where humanity has colonized other planets in the galaxy. The protagonist, likely a member of one of these colonies, faces a crisis when a catastrophic event occurs, such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption, causing the mountain to shake. This event sets off a chain reaction of challenges and conflicts that the protagonist must navigate in order to survive and protect their community.Robert Abernathy's writing style in "When the Mountain Shook" is likely characterized by its blend of adventure, suspense, and speculative world-building. The novel may explore themes such as resilience, cooperation, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.