Review of Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig

About the Book ~

Does an ancient book of prophecy hold the answers to saving the world...or predict its destruction?

Mentioned in the pages of the Old Testament but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets -- and dangers -- never before seen on earth.

Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is once more given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as Viorica snatches the volume right out from under them.

Iskra "Viorica" Todorova is determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most -- freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe, and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives, and entire nations. Though both are haunted by secrets of the past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in centuries-old words could unleash a storm of their own destruction.

For more information about Ronie Kendig and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Goodness, Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig was...AMAZING!!! Do yourself a favor and GET THIS BOOK!!!

It was so awesome to reconnect with some of the amazing characters that I met in The Tox Files, but even the new characters -- looking at you, Iskra! -- more than held their own! Each character was incredibly crafted with past demons, strengths, motivation, quirks, and shortcomings. The author also has an amazing ability at writing not only a realistic male character but also the kind of hero who doesn't let fears or evil stop him from doing what's right! I loved Leif. He might be my new favorite hero from this author -- and that's saying something! His past (specifically, a forgotten six months) is shrouded in mystery, and he's...special. But you'll have to read the story to find out why! I loved the sarcastic humor that Leif and Mercy (can't forget my favorite hacker, or she'll delete my internet presence!) interject throughout the story! And Iskra, well, I love a tough female character as much as the next gal, but Iskra is in a class all her own! Her dark past could contain triggers for anyone who's dealt with sexual abuse. That said, her story is a fight for hope. Hope that she finds.

I don't want to give a lot away about the storyline, but it is a thrilling and epic tale that will leave you feeling like you just pounded fifteen shots of espresso after running a marathon! I love the way the author takes these nuggets from the Bible and creates a National Treasure meets Revelation storyline! The spiritual thread consisted of a fight for freedom and hope as both Leif and Iskra wrestle with the ghosts of their past. I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from dark realities. However, that darkness does not stop the beautiful cry of hope from piercing the reader's heart!

Five Stars ~ Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig is a thrilling adrenaline rush from start to finish! Storm Rising is the first book in Ronie Kendig's new The Book of the Wars Series from Bethany House Publishers. I would definitely recommending reading this series in order. There are previous stories some of the characters appear in, but you don't need to read those to understand the storyline of Storm Rising -- but it's so much fun if you do!!!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig

 

About the Book ~

The Final Conflict Will Hinge on One of History's Most Dangerous Blades

Dismantled centuries ago, the sword of Goliath is still rumored to thirst for its enemies' blood. Cole "Tox" Russell wants only to put the dangers of his past behind him and begin his new life with Haven Cortes. First, though, he's called to complete a final mission: retrieve the sword and destroy the deadly Arrow & Flame Order.

The AFO, however, is determined to reunite the sword. Threatening the life of Ram and Tzivia's father, they jeopardize Ram's long-held and dangerous secret while demanding Tzivia locate the blade. With the Wraith team slowly being torn apart, things worsen when Mercy Maddox, a new operative, emerges with the stunning news that the artifact is tied to both Ram's secret and a string of unsolved serial murders.

Tox, Ram, and the others are forced to set aside fear and anger to target the true enemy. No matter the cost, Wraith must destroy the AFO . . . or join them in the flames.

For more information about Ronie Kendig and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

I stayed up until two in the morning to finish reading Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig.

Two. In. The. Morning.

Worth. Every. Minute.

I can't believe this is the last book... I can't believe The Tox Files are over... What am I going to do now??? (If you're acquainted with Tox, then you know I'm NOT being dramatic. If you aren't...well, all three books are available now, so I'd say it's time to binge read!) I'm trying really hard to hold my emotions in check because I know if I open that door, there's no closing it. I won't be able to stop mourning the end of this series, these characters, those...events. Those...beautiful, devastating events that raised the impact level of this legendary tale, concluding this series in the best possible way while still shredding my soul.

Sorry, no spoilers. ;-) Hehe.

Guys, Thirst of Steel destroyed me and blessed me and blew my stinking mind! Ronie Kendig is a literary genius! The skill and complexity of this novel kept me glued to my reading perch, frantically turning the pages. Think military thriller, a hint of romance, and secret societies with a National Treasure feel, making for a enthralling story! The characters (I heart Tox and Ram) with their complexities, failures, and triumphs are imprinted on my heart. And I loved the new perspectives! But despite the serious nature of the story, Ronie Kendig was able to write humor and heart and truth into the story in an organic way!

But from reader to reader, what I hope you see the most is this series is how awesome God is! Through the supernatural events of this series, Ronie Kendig reminds readers how big and powerful our God is. That He operates in the supernatural. That we can't limit Him to what we "know" because He is so much more. This was the truth that encouraged and challenged me the most throughout the story. <3

Five Stars ~ An epic conclusion to a thrilling series! Trust me when I say that this is one series you don't want to miss!!! Thirst of Steel is the last book in The Tox Files by Ronie Kendig. You should definitely read Conspiracy of Silence and Crown of Souls respectively before reading Thirst of Steel because the information learned in those books are essential to Thirst of Steel's plot.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

 

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!