Mentioned in the pages of the Septuagint 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 finally given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as “Viorica” snatches the volume right … 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–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 two-
thousand-year-old words could unleash the storm of their own destruction.
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Storm Rising met every expectation and more. It’s like an amped up Jason Bourne movie with a mysteriously beautiful operative that is hard to beat. Leif Metcalfe brings a team together to search for the historical Book Of The Wars. As his team learns to work together we see new and old characters from Kendig’s prior books popping up. The question is, can they get to this historical book before it falls into criminal hands? A highly secretive mission wrapped around layers of mystery, high octane danger, intrigue, romance, and so much more. However, no spoilers here…you have to read it to find out more. This is the first of the Book at the Wars series. Though it can be read without reading any of Kendig’s prior books, the Discarded Heroes series and The Tox Files series would add more depth to a few characters. Honestly though, reading this book will have you so excited that you’ll have to go back and read all of her books.
This book does touch on some topics that aren’t for the faint of heart. However, Kendig deals with it in such a way that I was hooked from the very first page. I stayed up way too late finishing it and cannot wait for the rest of the story. The ending is wholly satisfying and yet will have you begging for the next book to come out sooner.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
“God had a funny sense of humor, making their minds so equally matched.”
Incredible. Just incredible. Ronie Kendig is known to unleash high-adrenaline, action-packed, intense military romantic suspense but this first installment in The Book of Wars series absolutely tops her previous books. Mind you, I have adored Tox and his crew through three heart-stopping novels and a novella prequel in The Tox Files but this book, with a covert op leader Leif as the hero and a trained assassin Iskra as his female counterpart, just elevates the experience up a few notches. As Leif’s team, Iskra on behalf of her Russian mobster boss, a German group, and another nebulous entity named Armageddon Coalition all race and fight against each other to find this ancient artifact called The Book of Wars that details previous wars and prophesies future wars, plot twists, betrayals, and fierce loyalty abound to bring forth a book that will set your heart racing.
The characters, especially Leif and Iskra, are multi-dimensional and deeply layered. The familiar faces of Mercy and Cell from the Tox Files are sweet to behold but their backstories, if you are not familiar with them, are not necessary to enjoy the plot in Storm Rising. The technology discussed in the story is quite fascinating and I’m anxiously awaiting where Ronie Kendig will take Leif’s team in the next book!
If you enjoy a well-written romantic suspense/thriller, this book is a must-read! I received a copy of the book from Bethany House and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
4.5 STARS!!!
Every time I pick up a Kendig book, my life goes on hold. Seriously. STORM RISING is pretty much non-stop action with catchy dialogue, which I love!!! My fixation with military TV shows (especially SEAL TEAM) helped me visualize this elite group of operatives and the mission they are involved in.
I will say that at first, I wasn’t a fan of Iskra as Leif’s nemesis at all. I felt kind of protective of him and didn’t want him paired with someone unworthy. I feel the same way about Clay and Stella on Seal Team 😉 BUT…I came to understand why the author chose Iskra; her particular strengths and vulnerabilities pair well with Leif, creating some intense moments as well as tender ones.
I feel like if I say I can’t wait for book two I’ll be wishing away a year of my life but, Y’all, I can’t wait for book two to come out!!! Needless to say, I liked the story. A lot. It’s filled with bold and valorous characters as well as the ones you’re going to be rooting for this team of amazing operators to take down.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
I can’t even! WOW! This was a great read, exciting from the first line, just increasing in intensity to the very end. I cannot wait for the next book to come out, continuing this edge-of-your-seat thriller. “Runt”, who wouldn’t want him to rescue them?! Hot, super strength and healing, intelligent, and witty all wrapped up in one man? YES please! Iskra, this powerhouse of a woman, and yet so very tender when Leif gets past her walls. Intertwined in their story is this mysterious “Book of the Wars”, fought over and sought out by many who have learned of its existence. I highly recommend this read!
(Now I’m off to search my Kindle for other Ronie Kendig books that have been hiding in my pile to move them to the TOP! I want more from this wonderful, detail oriented, thrill seeking author!)
OH MY GOODNESS! What an epic adventure! I’ve been sitting here for awhile trying to find the right words to describe the sheer awesomeness that was this book. I’ll never be able to do it justice, but I’ll try.
Intense and action-packed, Storm Rising was an exciting, heart-pounding, nonstop thrill ride that never slowed down. It’s Kendig at her finest. I’m probably sounding like a broken record by now because I say this with every new book from her, but she’s really outdone herself this time. How does she keep doing it? If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. It’s just that good.
I couldn’t read it fast enough. The action starts right at the very beginning and hardly ever lets up, leaving me with barely enough time to take a breath. There were several mind-blowing moments that left me speechless and my mouth gaping open in shock. Moments where I had to put my Kindle down for a minute to digest it all and wonder about the implications.
I want to talk about so much more, but don’t want to spoil anything. So, I’ll just leave it here with a huge recommendation to grab yourself a copy. Just be prepared for the most epic book hangover you’ll ever have.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Ronie Kendig is back with a brand new series and a group you’ll love!
Leif “Runt” Metcalfe has been tasked with finding the Book of Wars and builds a team he believes can assist him. Y’all, the number one thing I loved about the team was seeing people from past Kendig books. Nothing like running into old friends! Plus, I really loved meeting the new people. I think I’ll have some favorites. With a diverse group of characters—from all backgrounds, faith, etc—you’ll love the team that takes you on a journey all over the world.
And the romance thread…. I love romance and this one is no exception. What’s even better? The hints of romance between other team members. I love that the team isn’t all male because it makes it that much more realistic and entertaining.
Oh and did I mention I read this in one sitting, squinting at one in the morning to make sure I was reading the correct words and not succumbing to sleep? Only now I have to wait for book 2 which means book 1 will be reread a few times for memory’s sake.
All in all, I’m thrilled for another Kendig book and a new series.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
Have you ever wanted to be someone totally amazing and who is super spy like? Well then get ready for the ride that Ronie Kendig takes you on in her new series The Book of the Wars. I have read many of her books and always love the realism in them, and this start to her new series doesn’t disappoint. I absolutely LOVED this book (and so did my husband, who rarely likes reading) it had action, Biblical mystery, swirling relationships (Which hopefully we get to see in the next book) and many daring spy type stunts. A great book that pulls you in and does not want to let go, I read it a week ago and I still keep thinking about the possible scenarios. It was so hard to put down. If you have never read anything by Ronie Kendig this is a great one to start with, and one I highly recommend putting on your summer TBR Pile.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 star rating for the many adventures, the depth of the characters, and for making me feel as though I was right there experiencing all of it first hand. Can not wait to read the next one in this series !!
I volunteered to read this book in exchange for my honest review, the thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Ronie Kendig’s books are billed as “Rapid Fire Fiction,” and Storm Rising fits that bill to a tee!
The ancient text, The Book of the Wars, has been a rumor for centuries, so when former Navy SEAL Leif “Runt” Metcalfe is tasked with retrieving it, he thinks he’s chasing a fable. When he arrives at the location he’s given, he discovers that someone else has narrowly beat him to it. Finding out that the other operative is none other than Viorika, a Bulgarian with seemingly no conscience, Runt sets his sights on capturing her.
Iskra “Viorika” Teodorova is essentially a slave. Her owner punishes disobedience by raping and torturing her. She sees her latest mission as a way to finally gain her freedom, but her captor maintains his control by holding a child captive unless she complies. Can the American help her, or is her only way out somewhere else? Can she save herself, and Basara?
I listened to this one through audio books, and I could almost see it happening. Scary, scary stuff here, but completely believable. The first half of this book is one escape-by-the-skin-of-their-teeth after another. Even what seems to be safety isn’t safe. Honestly, I had to listen in short bursts because it was that intense!
As always, Ronie Kendig delivers a high energy, explosive action story that will keep readers flying through the pages. Her military knowledge is amazing to me, and I definitely recommend (pretty much everything she writes!)
Once again, Ronie Kendig has outdone herself! She has become one of my favorite authors, and her literary genius amazes me every time, ever since I first read Conspiracy of Silence. I have read the entire Tox Files series and the first two books in her new series, The Book of the Wars. I can’t wait until the third novel comes out! I will definitely be purchasing it. If you haven’t read any of Ronie Kendig’s books, you’re missing out!
I love Ronie’s military series, especially the Tox Files. Now she has started a new series with Leif who we met in the Tox Files. Leif is a strong character with hidden abilites, but also a flawed man who has experienced something that has changed him in ways he doesn’t understand. He has to team up with a mysterious woman who is after the same artifact that he is. Iskra or her alter ego “Viorica”. Together they join forces even though Leif knows that Iskra isn’t telling him everything. Two strong and flawed people trying to save the world from an evil man, that I know I will fall in love with just like the Tox files. Anxiously waiting for the next book “Kings Falling”.
If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know I’m a die hard Kendig fan. I recommend her books to everyone I think would enjoy them (and even some I don’t ), and just last week connected a friend of mine to a series I knew they’d enjoy.
This glowing review of Ronie’s writing is no different than any other… I’m a fan! If you enjoyed the Tox Files, Storm Rising will capture you in the same compelling way, while bringing in some friends you already know and love. Fascinating characters and adrenaline pumping action, Kendig will keep you turning pages until the wee hours of the morning. This book lives up the #rapidfirefiction name!
The return of a Metcalfe was enough to peak my interest, and the story of Leif does not disappoint. A mysterious yet loyal character, Leif’s fascination with a nearly mythological operative, Iskra, keeps you yearning for more romance between high stakes suspense (and I’m a suspense girl, y’all!). Ronie has a unique gift for raw characters that spring off the page, while also driving an incredible plot full of twists and turns. I’ve yet to find another author who so richly brings both to life without being too cheesy or graphic. The balance is impeccable.
5 stars. Simply incredible. FAIR WARNING, the only thing I absolutely hated about this book was how abruptly it came to end and how my heart is aching for the next installment. Give me Kings Falling RIGHT NOW!
*I was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own and written of my own volition.
The Book of the Wars of the Lord allegedly is a real book that exists and has been found by a nefarious organization. The book tells of past wars and their outcomes as well as future wars and their outcomes, so there is more than one organization/person after it. One such group is a special ops team led by Leif Metcalfe, a former Navy SEAL. His team travels the globe in their search for the book. One of their main competitors is a Bulgarian agent, code name Viorica, who has amazing skills and will stop at nothing to complete her mission. While Leif’s interactions with Viorica have him admiring her abilities and have him thinking romantic thoughts about her, he is still struggling with his secret abilities and a six-month gap in his memory.
Viorica or Iskra Todorova steals the book, but only has it for a short while. She will do anything to get it back. She is a woman who can’t fail her mission as it will have dire consequences. She is immediately attracted to Leif, but she can’t afford to let her heart lead her astray. She must stay focused and bring the book to her controller. However, the more meetings she has with Leif the more she wants to trust him. If he discovers her secrets, all will be lost to her way of thinking.
I had a little trouble getting into this book, but a kept reading knowing that Ronie always writes with plenty of action and spine-tingling missions for her military protagonists. The prologue had me glued to my seat, but then the story takes readers back one month to give us background information and slows down. There were a lot of characters to keep track of as well that sometimes had me re-reading pages to make sure I had everyone’s character in the right place. However, the electricity between the two main characters was palpable, and their skill set to get out of dangerous situations was truly awesome! The teasing between the members of the team was also funny and fun to read. I already have book two, King’s Falling, on my watch list to order on its release date of 3/31/20.
Suspenseful and full of intrigue! Clandestine operatives are competing to find the Book of War before other nations possess this book of all books on all wars. The book is highly rated and written by popular author Ronie Kendig. She has done her research and delivered on her promise for a plot that twists, turns and entertains. If you like fast action, this book is for you.
The past and future are entirely intertwined….
I’ve never read a Ronie Kendig book before. There, I said it. Don’t shoot me. I’m not exactly sure why I hadn’t read one. I mean, I’ve heard a lot of good stuff about them. But, for some reason I just didn’t. Until now. I have no clue why Storm Rising was the one to catch my attention, but, it did.
I went into Storm Rising not knowing what to expect. I mean, I did know that Ronie Kendig did several series about elite military types but that was it. What a got was an international thriller with apocalyptic repercussions that was slightly reminiscent of a Ted Dekker book.
While I can’t say that I’m a diehard fan I can say that I will be looking forward to reading the next installment in The Book Of The Wars series. I found the idea behind the story, a book with the outcomes of past and future wars, to be quite fascinating. And, I’m curious where the search for said book will take our band of heroes….will Leif and Iskra finally find what they are each searching for…?
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
The author, Ronie Kendig, has taken a Biblical reference in the book of Numbers to an obscure and presumably lost Book of Wars and built a fantastic yet mostly believable tale. It is one of those books that can quickly grab the reader, pull her in, and not let her surface for air until the very end. This is not a book you want to begin at bedtime because you most assuredly will not get any sleep if you do.
Action-packed from page one, the narrative takes Leif and Iskra on a dangerous journey through strange and violent weather events and against a host of enemies determined to gain control of the lost book. Vivid descriptions help the reader experience everything as though there. Unexpected twists and revealed secrets added to the experience and kept me wanting to know more.
Storm Rising may just be the best book I’ve read from this author to date and I have enjoyed quite a few of her novels. If you love a book with a dynamic hero and plenty of action, danger, and suspense, then Storm Rising should be the next book on your TBR list. Do yourself a favor and do not miss this one!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
How is this the first book I’ve read by Ronie Kendig?!?! I have a couple of her books on my kindle and I’ve read a ton of good reviews for her books but somehow I just haven’t connected and read one myself. I’m so glad I have now rectified that mistake! And now that I’ve been introduced to the world of Ronie Kendig, I’m never going back. How happy that I have so many books to look forward to.
This book! Fast paced, action packed, full on, from beginning to end. Sometimes a girl just needs to sit on the edge of her seat for a whole book, you know? I really loved the alternating points of view so I really got to know the inner workings of both main characters. It helped me connect and feel the passion behind their decisions- for better or for worse.
I have to say that for the first third of the book I had a hard time with all the characters introduced. It was hard to keep them straight and remember who was who. There were SO many characters! Eventually I caught on though and they became more familiar to me. It’s so much easier to fall into a book when you don’t have to constantly think about who is who.
There is so much going on in this book plot wise. Yes, there is this overarching story about the “book” and the storms, but there are also smaller mysteries going on with different characters. It definitely kept my mind spinning and thinking! This is the beginning of a series and this book did not have much resolution. A little tiny bit. Now I am left waiting and wondering until the next book comes out. It kind of makes me glad that I can go back to past books and read through them all without waiting. The perk of coming in late to the game, I guess. Waiting is so hard.
Content: violence, death, peril, abuse, mention of repeat rapes with no details. Kissing.
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a must-read book for 2019. Don’t miss it!
Um…WOW!!
Look out world, because Leif Metcalfe and a BRAND NEW Ronie Kendig team of ultra-awesome heroes just hit the scene!
When you read something as spell-binding and utterly fascinating as the Tox Files, you have to wonder if the “sequel series” will live up to its predecessor…
And while I can’t help but stick with Tox as my fave (because TOX!!), Storm Rising is a magnificent powerhouse of a book that totally drew me in and became a MUST-HAVE for 2019…
Let me tell you why…
The CHARACTERS, y’all!
After meeting Leif in the Tox Files, I could NOT wait to read more about this fascinating character! And while Leif maintains some of his characteristic snarky humor (can I say that I laughed waaay to hard at some of those jokes!? ), I appreciated a more “mature” Leif navigating a wild world and coming into his own as the leader of a new team of world-savers!
Also, the interactions between him and Iskra “Viorica” were wild and enthralling—both characters are powerhouses and breathtaking to follow!
Iskra was a unique character—really! In a world with so many cookie-cutter MC’s, I feel like her background, skills, and mindset were something new and powerful in this story. Iskra is a broken individual with some serious trust issues and a world of anguish and struggle to overcome, but maybe freedom for her isn’t completely impossible after all…
The themes, characters, scenes, and mystery in this incredible story all combine to create a thrilling ride—one that sticks with you and demands attention! One that demands you read the next book immediately!! Because there is still so much to discover in this new world that Leif, Iskra, and the team find themselves wading into.
And while I could continue to tell you all the incredible parts of this mega-enthralling story, I will stop here with one simple note of advice…
READ STORM RISING!!
…you’re welcome!
Notes:
There are definitely some more mature, real-life scenarios mentioned in this book, including assault, rape, etc…
I also found that in this book the author tended to give the characters some more “realistic characteristics.” I.E. there are multiple almost-curses and some slightly more crude speech than most CF
The characters are warriors and assasins, so violence is also a key part throughout the story.
Also, as I noted another reviewer mentioned, please do remember that this is a fictional work, and keep that in mind as the author uses creative license with historical and Biblical artifacts throughout both the Tox Files, and into this series.
I received a copy of this book for FREE, and a positive review was not required.
Storm Rising is my first book by Kendig and what a book it is. From the first page it is packed with breath taking action. I could never do justice to this thrilling military novel with my review. It is so filled with suspense and the characters are so intense……Looking for an ancient book that no one is sure exists, but it must for so many are willing to risk their lives to obtain it. What is in this ancient book that so many are willing to kill for it? Rumored to be A Book Of Wars from the same era as the Old Testament book of Numbers. There is so much in this book, suspense, unnatural storms, lots of high tech, loyalty among team members, espionage, brutality and of course romance……….I received a copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion
Storm Rising is the first book in Ronie Kendig’s new series, The Book of the Wars. I have heard rave reviews about her work, but this is the first book I’ve read by this author. I wasn’t really sure what to expect but was very excited to jump into the world Ronie Kendig has created. She did not disappoint.
This book grabs you from the get-go and keeps you on the edge of your seat to the very last page. I enjoy romantic suspense and I enjoy military themes, but this paramilitary story was unlike anything I had read before.
Despite dealing daily with things I can’t even imagine, I found the characters to be very relatable in their personalities…their need to succeed, their need to protect, their need to be in control. I enjoyed seeing how individual and unique each character was, primary and secondary characters alike. The flaws of each made them very real to me and also demonstrated how much we each need one another and God.
I was delighted to find humor in the midst of the nail-biting suspense by way of funny expressions. For example, “I’ve tapped in Iliescu and Braun, because this is big Cheez-Its.”
The Book of the Wars is a new series, but it follows characters found in the Tox Files series. I am generally a stickler for reading my books in order, but made an exception with this one. Although this book can be read as a standalone, if you are like me and want the richer experiencing of having all of the info as it happens, I would recommend starting with the Tox Files. If that doesn’t matter to you, then pick up Storm Rising right now!! It’s a fantastic book.
I’m very glad I read it and am looking forward to reading more by this author!