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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Ronie Kendig is back and better than ever with her first book in her newest series. Storm Rising is amazing. It is, quite literally, a storm rising and the readers need to hang on for the turbulence it’s going to cause.
Blended with the perfect amount of thrilling suspense, Leif Metcalfe gets his story, as he has to lead his team on a wild roller coaster ride of finding a piece of history….all before it falls into the wrong hands for good. Along the way, Leif learns to lean on people and his faith is tested. Add to the story, a touch of romance for Leif and Iskra (let me tell you, she is my favorite character and I absolutely loved her interactions with Leif!).
This book is filled with so much action, so much love, so much hope and intrigue. It is one for my keeper shelf for sure. If you want a wonderfully written novel filled with characters that will make you feel all the emotions you could possibly feel, then grab this perfectly chiseled 4 star worthy novel from the master of Military Romantic Suspense novels.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*Ronie Kendig
If I had to describe Storm Rising to one random, unsuspecting stranger walking down the road, I would say that it is amazing because really, both the plot and wonderful, complex characters are absolutely amazing.
And fast-paced because once the book picks up (which is very soon) it doesn’t stop until the very last page!
And suspenseful because I was on the edge of my seat the whole time while reading this.
And deep because even though it has the more surface suspense, it also had many deep themes and undercurrents and flawed, real characters that I loved.
Finally, I would say that I loved, absolutely LOVED, this book and that they need to buy it and read it as soon as possible. They might walk away a little creeped out because when I’m passionate about something I often come across a little strong. They probably wouldn’t end up buying this amazing book if they’re that creeped out. But let me tell you one thing, if you enjoy edge-of-your-seat suspense with some sweet romance thrown in, I would highly recommend you pick this book up!
**I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher but all the opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are my own.**
Wow. Completely blown away yet again by Ronie Kendig’s writing! Just when you think her plots, mysteries, & characters couldn’t possibly get any better, along comes Storm Rising, giving us a glimpse of Leif’s story while leaving us hungry for what is sure to come in the rest of this daring new series. With each series, Ronie Kendig develops her characters’ stories to an even deeper level while not letting go of our friends from before.
In Storm Rising, Leif Metcalfe is called on to lead a team of his own to recover an artifact surrounded in mystery before other operatives get their hands on it. At the same time, strange developments stemming from a missing chunk of Leif’s memory cause conflicts both within the team & within Leif himself. We meet Iskra, a “Black Widow” type enemy operative with amazing skills & a backstory born of such pain that readers will join in her sorrow & understand her violence. The reader will also enjoy reading more about Mercy, the superhero-enamored computer tech, who compares every situation & person to a related superhero persona or story, whether those people are comic fans or not.
Storm Rising is an explosive beginning to a new series that will surely leave the reader out of breath & yearning for more!
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Every time I read new Ronie Kendig book, I think it’s her best yet. Each book just gets better and better. Great plot, characters I love, and nonstop action. I’m on pins and needles waiting for the next one in this series!
This is the first book of Ronie Kendig’s that I have read. I felt a little lost at first like I was missing parts of the story. In reading other reviews they state that this book has characters from other series. That may have helped during the first part of the story but it did not stop me from getting engaged and following along well later.
This book had many elements that I enjoy. I enjoy a good action/adventure. This book had that and more. I loved the biblical day references and the fictional “Book of Wars”. There was romance, super-soldiers, assassins, and redemption. This will not be the last book of the author’s that I read.
This book pulled me in and kept me reading. I wanted to see how it would play out. Would Leif be able to pull his team through a stormy sea, tread through a minefield, or save the day and the child?
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. This book does contain violence. It is set during a war, a war between good and evil.
Storm Rising is another action packed novel that leaves you breathless. From the very first sentence you are sent on a mission to many locations around the world to try and get ahead of the evil that has unleased massive destructive storms. Leif Metcalfe, a secondary character in a couple of Kendig’s other books, now takes center stage and leads a new team. Their mission is to find The Book of the Wars of the Lord and figure out a way to stop the storms and the group that is behind them. This book will draw you in from the very beginning and will not let you go even after you have finished.
If I had to choose just one word to describe my experience of reading this book, it would be “INTENSE” said with a huge smile on my face and my eyebrows at least halfway up my forehead.
Contrary to his codename, Leif Metcalfe boldly stands tall and solid at all times. He is determination, chivalry, and sacrifice personified with a dash of charm to make the ladies swoon. Leif possesses the core values and strengths of a good soldier and great leader.
Truths and common experiences are challenged and embellished with subtle brushstrokes of “what if” and imagination. Intimate and overall storylines intensify page after page and ultimately deliver a satisfying conclusion and intoxicating sensation of anticipation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
This is the first book that I’ve read by Ronie Kendig and now I know why people are so eager to read her books. Storm Rising offers intrigue from the opening sentence ‘He’d never killed a woman in cold blood before, but now was as good a time as any‘ and the excitement never lets up. As I was nearing the end, Mission Impossible came to my mind. When you think it just won’t work and when you fear that the hero and heroine are not going to succeed, there is that last minute reprieve!
I really liked the hero Leif Metcalfe. He had been a Navy Seal and his duty had left him an extremely scarred person. Iskra “Viorica” Todorova was equally scarred and she was a complicated character who appeared to be a villian; it was only as I learned her full story that I could understand how she became a Bulgarian operative and why she chose to remain. It is, however, the sparks between Leif and Iskra that fuel this story! It is apparent that they are physically attracted to each other but their past lives, their current situations, and their mutual mistrust are great deterents to any lasting relationship. I also enjoyintriguing plotline that includes cloud seeding. I have heard of this being done to create positive results but the theme of Storm Rising and the mission to find The Book of Books allows cloud seeding to be used for evil.
This book is the first book of Kendig’s new series The Book of the Wars and it is labeled Christian suspense fiction. There are a few references in the story that readers of Christian fiction may find surprising but they are written in a non-offensive manner. If you enjoy intense action and mystery suspense and if you want a story filled with faith and hope, then you will certainly enjoy Storm Rising.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and a favorable review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
I was so excited when Leif Metcalfe (brother to my favorite Kendig hero Canyon) appeared in The Tox Files series and then kinda freaked out when I found out he was getting his own series! And while he hasn’t upstaged his brother on my favorite’s list I definitely loved Leif!
From the very first page the action sucked you in and really didn’t ever stop. The team raced from one country to the next and we were drawn into the chase as they hunted the book and the other people trying to get their hands on it. Ronie Kendig knows how to keep her readers on the edge of their seats and I felt like I never know what was coming next! Every time I thought we had a chance to catch our breaths, something else happened and things were moving again!
I love how Ronie seamlessly weaves the spiritual and slightly mystical in with the action and the adventure. She takes vague references from Scripture and uses them to create fiction that almost makes you wonder if it is true.
I’ve already mentioned how great Leif was but honestly Ronie once again crafted a character that is an amazing hero who you can’t help falling in love with. He’s a tough as nails operator but he also has a soft side with the people he cares for.
My heart broke for Iskra and all that she had endured. As more pieces of her past were revealed I just wanted to go to battle on her behalf. I loved seeing her and Leif start to connect and work to bring down each other’s walls. They both still have things to figure out but I can’t wait to see their relationship progress!
Another of Ronie’s strength’s is creating team dynamics and making you care about a whole group of people. I enjoyed all of the members of the team and I hope we get to know each of them more!
In short this was another fantastic novel from Kendig and I am excited for book two!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The stories that come from this author give me all the good chills! So excited for this new series and the fact it has old friends along with it. Such good detail and descriptions for scenery along with all the fantastic military ops that make up this book. I had a hard time putting it down and then fight the fact that the story will be over too quickly if I don’t! So much action, so much intrigue and mystery and then the little threads of romance that make the sparks fly. Leif and Iskra are matched together like puzzle pieces. The perfect flow of angst and warring against each other. It plays out like a movie in your head! This author knows how to deeply mesh out her characters and write believable flaws. I feel on the edge of my seat for every page turned. Cannot wait for the next one!!
I got the book from the publisher and this is my own personal opinion of this story.
This is a new favorite novel from one of my favorite authors!
I love, loved Ms. Kendig’s Tox Files series, and this new one is just as good (or even better!).
It was great having some familiar faces show up in this story. Just like getting reacquainted with old friends.
I loved the main characters. Leif Metcalfe is quite the hero! And I quickly loved Iskra/Viorica and all her deep hurts because of all the traumatic things she’s been forced to face in her life.
I enjoyed seeing how they went from barely tolerating each other to becoming friends to…well, I don’t want to give the story away…. 😉
This mission is incredible. They are looking for a long-lost treasure, The Book of Wars mentioned in the Bible, in the book of Numbers.
I loved the danger. The intrigue. The racing-around-the-world-to-find-the-treasure aspect of this story. Intensity so thick you could slice it with a knife…
Ronie Kendig is a master at spinning a story of this nature, and this is some of her finest writing yet!!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
*4.5 stars*
Have you ever gone out on a limb to try a book outside of your typical genre preferences simply based on the recommendation of others? That was me for Storm Rising, and I wasn’t disappointed! I’ll admit I had a bit of a hard time initially keeping some of the characters straight, but once I got deeper into the story I didn’t have as much of an issue. I started not knowing what I was getting into, and finished impatient for the next book to release so I could continue.
Hands down my favorite character in this novel is Iskra (aka Viorica). There was so much complexity to her character and the internal conflict she dealt with was clearly palpable. I don’t want to give away any spoilers here so I won’t say too much, but I will share that it became evident that the life she’d been dealt led her to build a wall around her heart in hopes of protecting it. Who she’d become was out of necessity and survival instinct. Yet around all of that hardness she’d created, was a woman terrified to admit that she wanted to be loved. I won’t share more because I think you really need to read for yourself to grasp all that her character contained and what that ultimately led to for her. I will share as a content warning however, that her past involves being sold by her father as a girl and becoming a sex slave. I know that it can be a triggering topic.
On one of the reading groups I’m a part of on Facebook, I’ve seen women posting about looking for books that they could listen to on car trips that their husbands would be interested in as well. I actually told my husband several times while I was reading this one that I thought it would be one he’d like as well. It has the war, the espionage, the battle, the heroes, the villains, the mind games, the emotional hurdles, the action, the suspense, and more. There are pieces that I believe would appeal to both genders in this one.
I really didn’t know what I was getting into when I opened the cover of this one, but I’m glad I did. Suspense fans are sure to love it. I’m now waiting impatiently for the next in the series to arrive so I can find out what happens next!
*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Simply Amazing! I have read a couple other of Ronie Kendigs book but havent taken the leap into her military fiction until now. I am now hooked and cant wait for Kings Falling. Until then i guess the Tox Files is next on my list.
*CAUTION: May contain some spoilers (very mild)*
Genre : Christian Fiction/suspense/Action/Romance
My rating: 4.5 stars!
Language: Clean (however, there is the use of “bull”. Personally, I do not find it a swear word, but I know some do)
Age Range: 16+
Content: There is talk of sexual activities and insinuations (mild-medium). Which is why I would say maybe 16 years on up. There is some heavy stuff there. There is some talk of rape and abuse, which for some who are sensitive to those things, should be aware of.
Favorite Character: Leaf!! Oh yeah, the main character all the way. I also like Mercy, because she is a Marvel Nerd, and I’m a Marvel Nerd, so I connected well to her :).
Summary:
I love it! This was a little different from the Tox Files (which I adore!), but this is still a fascinating book. Great start to a new series and I’m excited to read the next one which comes out in 2020!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
FAST-PACED ACTION, SECRET MISSIONS, A HIGHLY TRAINED ASSASSIN, HIDDEN AGENDAS, HIGH OCTANE COURAGE, DARING DEFEATS AND SO MUCH MORE!
This newest release from best-selling, award winning author, Ronie Kendig, is sure to grab readers’ attention from the very first words. When former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is recruited to lead a team of highly trained professionals in recovering the lost Book of Wars, he finds himself up against secrets, hidden agendas, a highly trained assassin and throngs of storms each with their own intent to kill.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
Is it possible to give a book ten stars? Because I want to!
Storm Rising, penned by author Ronie Kendig, is the first book in her newest series, The Book of Wars. Kendig masterfully creates a powerful, gripping story that not only takes readers along on a secret mission, but opens a world of conspiracies and lost artifacts as readers follow the main characters around the globe.
With this being my first Kendig book, my mind was completely blown. Kendig’s style and story crafting is pure genius. I love her edgy, military style with strong, heroic characters that enamor readers from the moment we meet them. Not to mention, the author clearly knows her stuff and did her research when it came to the creation of this novel.
Kendig introduces us to former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe who is tasked with his own unique team of military professionals to recover the Book of Wars, a book mentioned in the Septuagint but lost to history. As his team sets out, he unwillingly meets up with trained assassin Iskra Todorova, or Viorica, as she’s known, who has her own hidden agenda for retrieving the Book of Wars. When these two unlikely characters come face to face, there is certain to be a dramatic display of willpower, tension and… romance?
I loved the way Kendig wove the characters of Storm Rising together. Again, it’s masterful and creative. Her male characters are diverse, strong, cunning, heroic and dare I say, swoon worthy? The female characters are brilliant, professional, creative and just plain amazing. Half of the time, while reading, I was rooting for Iskra because I loved her devious, scary side! The dialogue between characters was perhaps some of my favorite as they banter and work together. A true team, I felt as if I were right there with them!
I never want to give too much of a good book away, so I’ll wrap up my review by saying this is a book I won’t stop recommending or talking about. Even though I finished it less than a day ago, I’m already tempted to read it again. It was incredibly good. As with any great book, I URGE you to grab a copy as soon as you can and dive in if you enjoy military and tactical style books, sci-fi, or even post apocalyptic style books. Storm Rising really does have it all and I can’t imagine a reader who wouldn’t enjoy this book!
Spoiler Alert: While reading the book, I kept talking about it, telling my husband he HAD to read this book. When it was over however, I actually threw the book at him. He glanced at me, completely stunned and said, I thought you liked this book?! I told him, of course I had, but in true Kendig fashion, she totally leaves readers wanting more immediately as she ends with an opening to her next book in this series, which isn’t due out for months!
Storm Rising was action packed, intriguing, and filled with edge of your seat danger! The characters in this book really kept me invested in the story and the plot moved at such a quick pace that it draws the reader into the story as if they are right in the middle of the action. Both of the main characters had a backstory that made me understand and identify with their situations and challenges. Apart from the amazing characters the actual plot of this story was so interesting that I just needed to know how it would resolve!
I really loved Storm Rising and cannot wait to see what is yet to come in the next book, Kings Falling!
This is the first book I have read by Ronie Kendig. As a veteran, I am hesitant to read books that are fiction based on military characters by Christian authors, because most haven’t been there, nor understand the culture of the military. Kendig did not disappoint! There were a few times she used terminology which was different from what I was taught. For example, in the Navy, we were taught the word “gangway” was “make way”/step aside for a higher ranking officer or shipmate. I actually looked it up, to make sure I was correct. I was correct, but as a noun, it does mean passageway. I had to stop and wrap my brain around the noun meaning. With that said, I enjoyed the arcs of the characters.
I was pleased with the story. The author does a great job of mixing it up. Several times I couldn’t believe which direction the story was going. I enjoyed the mystery, some romantic tension, the bantering, and action throughout the book. There was never too much not too little. It was a perfect balance.
My only negative about the book: it was hard to get use to the switching from the several character point of views. I actually had to go back and figure out which character was “thinking” or which character was being narrated. That is the only reason why I give it 4 stars rather than 5.
“She has picked you -whether for trust or target, we don’t know. Until we do, stick close and see if you can turn her.”
There’s a lot he doesn’t know . . . . when Special Warfare Operator Leif “Runt” Metcalfe unexpectedly meets his match, in the form of a highly trained Bulgarian operative. At the end of a tunnel; she bests him by hang gliding off a cliff, deftly absconding with an historic scroll; the famed Book of Wars. Simply put, Iskra “Viorica” Tonorova is known worldwide as an assassin. . . . . and yet, she just took (without mortally wounding him) something that Lief wants; not wants exactly, but has been commanded to retrieve. And in order to accomplish that mission, Lief’s intentions have become inextricably tangled with hers. He can be just as determined as she is, he just never expected to care.
“There. . . . . . There was the thing that wouldn’t let him walk away when common sense said it was the smartest thing to do. Sometimes smart wasn’t right. It was thinking with the head, not with the heart.”
Filled to the brim with accelerated scene sequences, high octane military engagements, enemies with surreal weaponry and indescribable brutality,”Storm Rising” rushes to thwart the beginning of the end of all nations, as its characters set an elaborate stage with an impressive cast of heroes.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
If you are looking for a read that is high adrenaline, fueled by lots of action, and tons of secrets- then look no further than Storm Rising, which is the first of what garners to be a great action packed series.
Taken from a couple of verses from the Old Testament, there are several world powers that are looking for The Book of the Wars. I absolutely love it when authors pull out these verses from the Bible and can make a story around them. I never noticed this book before, not to say I haven’t read the verses before, but there are quite a few books mentioned in the Bible which I find fascinating.
Using the wonder of imagination, we have a very tight story with a team of secret soldiers looking for this book who come up against the best of the best and worst of the worst enemies. And there is some real baddies in here that think nothing of mass murder or anything else to get their way.
Our hero Leif Metcalfe is the team leader. He is a soldier who has been tasked with finding this book. He is also dealing with some secrets from his past that he can’t even remember. So as we go along with him, sometimes things will set him off and we as a reader are left holding our breath wondering just how dangerous and how far Leif will go.
Iskra, or her nickname Viorica, has not had a very nice life. The author does not shy away with how difficult life has been for this dangerous spy. Iskra is good at what she does and she has ulterior motives for wanting that book as well. When she and Leif meet there is definitely an undercurrent of something more between them than just enemies.
I enjoyed Leif’s team as well. We get to know them and a bit of their personal lives as well. What I really liked was how they all had each other’s backs. Which is very important as who can you really trust in this world where some want to control all- as in global control.
That ending-sublime. Looking forward to Kings Falling.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
I have no idea how Ronie Kendig does it, but I’m glad she does!
I highly HIGHLY recommend you read The Tox Files… no fear, they’re so good and engaging that you’ll quickly be opening this one 😉
Anyway, Storm Rising follows some characters from the Tox’s books and there are some spoilers.
I love history and archaeology and a good mystery, Who knew an author could put this all together in a contemporary setting?
Leif Metcalfe has no recollection of the past months. In hoped to achieve more answers about himself, he agrees to lead a team of his own to recover an artifact surrounded in mystery before it ends up in the wrong hands. But there’s more to the story than dangerous spies. As a mysterious and dangerous Bulgarian agent gets tangled up with the team on the wrong side, as her story is unveiled alongside what the artifact might actually be, the fine lines between enemies turns even more delicate and unsure.