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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I have a confession to make. I’m a huge Ronie Kendig fan. There isn’t a book she’s written I don’t like. Having said that, I wasn’t disappointed this time around either. Ronie takes complex characters and leads you by the nose, only giving away a few things at a time. Her action is fast-paced and I have to admit it sometimes leaves me behind. But she’s a great writer and this story is just winding up. I’m upset to have to wait for the second one. It can’t come quick enough.
Wow! This book was everything. I loved it so much! I appreciated that there was a bit more romance in this one. The suspense was thrilling and I loved all of the locations that the team went to. Storm Rising is tied with Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog as my favorite of Kendig’s books! You need to read this one. I can’t wait for book 2!!
Wow! Kendig is back with another explosive series! I can’t stop reading this author’s works. Each one is packed with action, amazing themes, fabulous characters and more. What’s not to like?
Having already met Lief Metcalfe in Thirst of Steel, the third book in The Tox Files series, I was, of course, excited to see this character featured in the newest series. Lief is such a complex character, I think we might need more than three books to unravel him! Iskra Torodov plays opposite Lief, and while she is slightly more predictable, she is just as complex. We meet a lot of new characters in Storm Rising, but there is also the reappearance of characters from previous series, such as Canyon Metcalfe, Barclay Purcell, and Mercy Maddox.
From page one, the story captures your attention, and you are on a wild adrenaline ride until the end. With too many plot twists to count, I was left on the edge of my seat. Storm Rising explores some very intriguing themes, and while there were some sci-fi aspects that I wasn’t a huge fan of, I still found the ideas intriguing.
Overall, if you are looking for a military thriller to take you on a wild ride with a tad of romance thrown in, definitely check out Storm Rising!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
For years, my favorite genre’ to read has been Christian suspense. In more recent years, there have been a few authors come on the Christian market who brought fiction that deals with military and special ops. In my opinion, Ronie Kendig is the best of those authors to write this kind of fiction, and has certainly put more of it out than the handful of others who have written it.
This novel is the first in a new series of hers, and I was eager to read it. It, and the rest of the series, centers on a minor character from her last series: Leif Metcalfe, nicknamed “Runt”. On a side note, he was actually introduced as an even more minor character in Wolfsbane, the 3rd book in her first series, Discarded Heroes.
Storm Rising is another masterpiece of Christian suspense/special ops type of book. I have no idea where this author gets her ideas for the plots, but they are never your run of the mill plots. She also excels at coming up with colorful, unusual, and likable characters. I didn’t know if she’d be able to top Tox from her last series, but Leif may topple him as a fan favorite. Iskra/Viorica also turned out to be a most interesting character, one I had a hard time deciding if she was good or bad, but liking her in spite of that conflict.
As with the Tox Files, this series seems like it will be about ancient artifacts, but in this case just one throughout the whole series….yet it already is obviously totally different than the Tox Files Series. Toss in the storm maker phenomena and the mystery surrounding Leif’s past and abilities, you have the makings of another awesome series by this author who never disappoints.
Kendig’s series always has a team of men and women with their own talents and abilities, and this series is no different. It was cool to have a few make it onto this team from the previous series.
Storm Rising is an awesome suspenseful book that spans a few countries, showcases the talents of some great special ops characters, and is a roller coaster of a ride. I loved the book, the plot, and definitely the characters. I am looking forward to the next book in this great series.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
When I pick up a Ronie Kendig book, I know I’m going to be in for a wild, action-packed, fantastic ride, and Storm Rising was no exception! With fascinating, multi-layered, engaging characters and settings in diverse areas of the globe, this book drew me in with its nonstop action, precarious situations, and thrilling escapades. One of Kendig’s strengths is creating deep, complex, and well-developed characters, and Leif Metcalfe and Iskra Todorova are examples of her brilliant characterization. They are engaging and competent, intense and sometimes vulnerable, and I couldn’t help hoping for a happy ending for them.
It was a joy to see some familiar characters pop up from previous Ronie Kendig books. Their various personalities and strengths added to my enjoyment of the tale, and I loved the witty banter I can always expect between them. The action in this book is intense, and I often wondered how the author was going to get the team out of their predicament, but she always managed to do it in creative, imaginative ways.
If you enjoy mind-blowing action and suspense with lots of intrigue and spots of romance thrown in, this is the book for you. I’m excited to see what she has in store for the other books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Kendig blows my mind! Where do I even start? Just when I think I couldn’t enjoy her books more than I already do, she proves me wrong yet again. Storm Rising took my breath away. There were several times I couldn’t believe what I was reading and had no idea what could happen next. This book is a must read for anyone who likes being taken by surprise. Kendig is unlike any author I’ve read, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. If you’ve read any of her stories, you know exactly what I mean. Sometimes I have an issue with being able to predict exactly how a story is going to go. I love that it has never happened with any of the books I’ve read by Ronie Kendig.
I all too easily fell in love with Leif Metcalf. He is so unique in so many ways and I enjoyed every moment getting to know him even more. Iskra Todorova was so different than any heroine I could imagine, and I loved her for it. She was completely awesome, and yet not without heartbreaking issues of her own. Knowing Kendig, this is just the tip of the iceberg, and I can’t wait to dive in even deeper. I love how history is flawlessly mixed in with the present time. There is just the right amount of suspense to keep you awake until way past bed time. This book would be a perfect companion to take with you on a trip to the beach, park, or even just your living room couch. Don’t get mad at me if you find it impossible to focus on anything else though… who needs food when there’s reading to get done? I received a complimentary copy of this book and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Miss Ronie’s books are always chock-full of suspense, action and incredibleness!! I was so excited to read a book about Lief, who was a side character in one of the Tox Files books, and I wasn’t disappointed!
Things I liked:
-Um, hello, Lief! He was so epic! And his backstory that kept getting hinted at and such…just yes. So much yes.
-The snark?? If you have a book with a group of people that aren’t afraid to tease each other, and all the camaraderie…in my case, it’s instant love, basically.
-The injuriiiieeees. Don’t give me that look, I don’t like it when good guys die, but when they just get hurt…well, yes, this book nailed it. The good guys weren’t immune to a little roughing up. It was fabulous.
-Just yeah, allll da peeps.
Things I didn’t like:
-The romance. I know this is a romance book, and I KNOW that it shouldn’t necessarily dock part of my rating consequently, since I kinda knew what to expect, but…no thank you. Sappy? Definitely. Detailed? Quite. No, I don’t want to hear about your ‘sizzling attraction’ or the detailed kissing.
BUT. The rest of the book made up for it, sooooo
-The spiritual content was…almost nonexistent? There were a few mentions of God, but…that was it. I’m not quite sure that it could technically count as Christian fiction. BUT. The book was pretty much squeaky clean in the language aspect, which I SO APPRECIATE.
Overall thoughts:
UM I NEED THE NEXT BOOK PLEASE. Like, RIGHT NOW. Like, the book didn’t necessarily end on a cliffhanger, but it definitely left questions waiting to be answered in further books.
And that’s another thing—I was pretty much confused throughout the whole book. Some of the stuff went over my head (which, I suppose, is to be expected, with what they were looking for), but I was still left in confusion. And some of the locations were super hard to picture in my mind from lack of description.
BUT all this to say…this book is epiiiiic and I can’t wait for the next! <3
Five stars! “Totally wicked” describes it. Leif Metcalfe is assigned his own team to hunt down The Book of the Wars that is mentioned in the Bible. It supposedly tells of the wars past, present and wars to come. His team is in a race against time to retrieve it before it falls into the wrong hands and starts Armageddon. Lots of action and humor and a little bit of romance. Ronie Kendig ~ Rapid-Fire Fiction has a hit series on her hands. I wish it was a movie!
Wow. I knew I wanted to read Leif’s story, but Kendig managed to put it on a whole other level. In the start of an exhilarating new series, my attention was captured from the start and never let up throughout the whole book. Not even for a second. Jam packed with action, readers will not be able to tear themselves away from the story. It’s intense, thrilling, scary, and yes even swoony. Leif is my favorite character from Kendig, ever. There’s just something about him, even with his missing memories, that make him so attractive. **sigh**
Let’s talk about Iskra for a moment. What a cool character. Okay yes, her circumstances are horrendous. In fact, I cannot even imagine having to go through all the stuff she has been through in her life. But even in that she was able to fight. She held her head high and kept going. And y’all, she can pack quite a punch! She doesn’t even allow you to feel pity for her – she just wants you on her side. Throughout the book you see little moments of vulnerability, and those are the times I liked best. For both her and Leif.
Ronie Kendig has been on my radar for quite awhile now, and rightly so. How she is able to get so much energy inside of her books just boggles my mind. There are some things in this book that hint to what’s ahead for this series and I can honestly say that I cannot wait to see what’s next. I know it’s going to be more danger, more action, and more swoony moments that are sure to bring a smile to this reader’s face!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
‘He’d never killed a woman in cold blood before, but now was as good a time as any ‘
When this sentence leads off a book, it just pulls you in completely. If you enjoy books with nonstop action, then here is your book. It’s mind boggling trying to imagine the mind if this author. Wow!
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book. The opinion here is entirely my own.
The Books of Wars has been found. It is said to hold secrets to both the past and the future–which is why powers all over the world want it. Former Navy Seal Leif Metcalfe is leading a team to find the book for the United States. Iskra “Viorica” Todorova also wants the book–but she wants to secure her freedom from an evil power that holds her captive. Then there are the other evil powers who also want the book for their own use. With all of them searching and facing other evils in the world it makes for one exciting, action-packed book. Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig is the first book of the Book of the Wars series.
Wow! I was on the edge of my seat throughout reading this fascinating book. It has suspense, mystery, romance–everything you could want in one book. Storm Rising is full of strong characters. Some I started out not liking but by the end of the book, once I knew the whole story, I could truly feel for them. I have not read Kendig’s series The Tox Files but I understand this book also has some characters that were in that series. I liked the tight story that kept me turning pages, anxious to know what happened next. I find the item they are searching for, The Book of the Wars to be interesting and can’t wait to learn more. The most difficult thing about Storm Rising is that I have to wait until April 2020 for book 2, Kings Falling! Oh, and the covers for this series are great! In the meantime, I am going back to read The Tox Files since I want to know all I can about this characters.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
I needed a seat belt for this ride! Ronie Kendig knows a thing or two about action and I have learned to expect a punch from the get-go. Hunky heroes, tragic assassins, unprecedented storms and hints of super soldiers? How does Kendig keep outdoing herself?
One of Kendig’s greatest strengths is her characters. Enter Leif “Runt” Metcalfe, a man missing six moths of his life and looking for some answers. A familiar face to those who have read The Tox Files, Leif more than holds his own as the leading man. I was wary of Iskra at first. I knew she had a lot going on under the surface, but she fought tooth and nail to keep her secrets. As the layers slowly unfolded though, my heart broke for her.
And the romance? The chemistry between Leif and Iskra nearly singed my eyelashes! They just get each other. There are some hints of other romances on the team as well and I am more than ready to dive into these relationships.
If you’re ready for a high-octane read and a sleepless night or two then this is the book for you. Just be prepared for the torture of waiting for the sequel.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Y’all Ronie Kendig’s books just get better and better, and Storm Rising exceed all of my (already high) expectations.
Meet the new team—some familiar faces for long-time fans of Kendig and a few new ones. This time, they’re hunting down The Book of the Wars. Briefly mentioned in the Biblical book of Numbers, this book just may predict wars, even ones that haven’t happened yet. If that isn’t enough, add to the mix a Bulgarian operative who is as tough and intelligent as Leif Metcalfe, some crazy weather phenomena, and Storm Rising is an adrenaline-fueled all-out adventure I could not put down.
Kendig excels at character development and relationships (romantic, team dynamics, family. You name it and Kendig had done it well). Racing around the globe with Leif, Iskra, and the others felt like watching a move (or maybe a mini-series because you get more detail than a two-hour movie) where you just can’t catch your breath. But when it’s finished, the first thing you say is, “I can’t wait for the next one!” And I really can’t.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
What happens when two alpha operatives are after the same highly prized artifact? A collision of wills, training, might and determination! Storm Rising is a fast-paced action thriller that will keep you turning the page. Destruction is happening around the world and one of America’s best operatives is sent to fix the mess, but he runs into trouble. Trouble comes in a beautiful package, a well trained, beautiful lady with not much to lose and only one thing to live for. Ronie Kendig has does an outstanding job of developing the characters, moving the story line and keeping the reader completely involved. Many hours of sleep will be lost because of Storm Rising, because the readers won’t want to put it down
I am not sure why it has taken me this long to fall in love with Ronie Kendig’s writing, but I am very thankful there are lots more books I can catch up with! If you like action, suspense, current world events or shows on the military (ie, NCIS, The Unit, The A-Team, Shooter, Seal Team) this book is for you!
“Storm Rising” is the first book in a new series called the Book of the Wars. Kendig sets up the premise of new characters (and enemies) in a realistic, involving way. What’s not to fall in love with? There’s danger lurking around every corner, a paramilitary group, Biblical archaeology, secret scrolls ( as mentioned in Numbers 21:14a) that can predict future wars, odd meteorological storms that pop out of nowhere…and two main characters who both have difficult backstories.
Since I am only embarking on the beginning of my new appreciation of Kendig’s work, I am a bit behind the times, as her prior Tox Files series was wildly successful, earning her many accolades. I can see why that happened, as Kendig does her military research. She also reminds the reader of the humanity and heartbreaks of the soldiers involved in life and death situations, something those who are not familiar with military life might not understand. Lead male character Leif Metcalfe has been mentioned in prior Kendig stories (Crown of Souls) and has another appearance in “Thirst of Steel.” The female character of Viorica has some secrets of her own, as a well known assassin/spy should have. But all is not as it seems, and the reader must develop their own ideas of whom is trustworthy and who is playing both sides. Kendig’s writing is action filled but still has time for emotion, addressing unique struggles and finding a hopeful future after the drama subsides. There is also a great feeling of camaraderie that is central to the development of the story, characters and the final cliffhanging end. (If you’ve followed my reviews for any length of time, you know how hard cliffhangers are for me!)
I started this book a little while ago, but life got in the way. Once I dug in, though, I finished this book in record time. It was so good that there were actually times I was holding my breath, something I rarely do with books! The story progresses like a good action movie and after a while, your feelings of urgency matches that of the characters in distress! I was able to read an early copy, thanks to Bethany House and chose to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
Hurry, Ronie. I can’t wait for the next entry in the series!
Make no mistake, Ronie Kendig is a master at her craft! Storm Rising is the first in her new series, The Book of Wars. With over 30 novels written since 2010, Kendig has won multiple awards. While many of her novels are Christian military suspense and romance, the author also delves into other genres such as fantasy.
The premise, or foundation, of The Book of Wars is based on an ancient text from the Septuagint, which is, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “a Greek version of the Jewish scriptures redacted in the third and second centuries b.c. by Jewish scholars and adopted by Greek-speaking Christians.”
Whew! That is a rather mind boggling description and one I think I’ll leave to the more learned scholars. Moving on to Storm Rising…
The Book of Wars is an ancient text full of secrets and many are those who want to possess it. Former Navy Seal, Leif Metcalfe (aka Runt) is tapped to command his own team to find The Book of Wars before someone else can. Iskra “Viorica” Todorova is determined to find the book for with the book she can obtain her freedom from a cruel taskmaster, a man who has no good purpose for the ancient text.
Amidst unusual and destructive storms worldwide, Leif and Viorica form a rather interesting pact to obtain The Book of Life, before the next storm unleashes, destroying entire countries and the entire team.
Those readers who have read Kendig’s previous military suspense series will recognize Leif Metcalfe, or Runt, along with a few others who make up the first team Runt commands. If you have not read the previous series, that is of no consequence, Storm Rising is the first in a new series and enjoyment does not hinge upon having read any previous novels. For me as a reader, bringing in characters from previous series’ just makes the reading that much more fun! However, it generally takes about a year for a novel to be released from the first basic outline to the finished product; that means you have lots more time to read some of Kendig’s previous novels. I bet you’ll be hooked!
Full of nonstop action, Storm Rising will keep the reader on the edge of their seats. I very highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
(I also purchased a copy!)
I finished this book last night and still need to process! So good. I really need book 2 to come out soon! First, if you have not read The Tox Files I would highly suggest reading that series first. Some of the characters from The Tox Files are integral parts of Storm Rising. I LOVED Storm Rising! Leif Metcalfe, returns and is leading his own team. He was selected to lead this team due to his specific set of skills. Skills he doesn’t even understand. Skills he is going to need to get the Book of Wars and keep his team safe. And of course, he and his team are not the only ones after the book. Multiple players are looking for it in this potentially deadly game. And the most deadly one? An assassin known for her black soul.
Storm Rising kept me engaged and thoroughly engrossed for the entire read! Ronie Kendig does it again, providing a story that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. So many threads of various characters histories and intentions are pulled causing you to keep reading because you “have to know”. Did I already mention I am really ready for book 2?
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book has everything you need: mystery, action, a hint of the fantastic, and romance all rolled together with a page turning suspense that will keep you up late. I love when I can relate to characters and these main characters felt like friends. Ronie Kendig uses both the good and flawed aspects of their personalities to make the book believable and relatable. I also loved the characters development both personally and inter relational with each other. The action is a heart pounding ride through the entire book, leaving you wanting more! I can’t wait for the next book, I need more of the story!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All the opinions in this review are my own.
When you take Robert Langdon, add Captain America (and maybe a bit of Wolverine), include a bit of Stargate (minus the gods)…you get a Storm. Seriously, this book has it all: action, adventure, historical intrigue, a touch of romance, and a dynamic between its two main heroes that just makes you wish you were a part of the team! Ronie Kendig ups her ante with every new release, and this one is no different. A must read for your summer!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Where do I start with this review?! I have read some of Ronie Kendig’s books in the past…most recently her A Breed Apart series…so I knew I was in for a good read. But wow did she deliver in Storm Rising! There are some serious ‘on the edge of your seat’ moments and ‘one more chapter’ cliff hangers.
I love the main characters: Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe and Bulgarian operative Iskra “Viorica” Todorova. The chemistry between these two is potent, but they struggle to build trust, especially when they both have secrets and agendas vastly different from the other.
The Book of the Wars, mentioned in the Old Testament, has resurfaced and both are tasked with retrieving the ancient text. But when they realize the book foretells chilling events that threaten whole nations, they must set aside their pasts and figure out how to work together…before it’s too late. Adding to the danger are a series of unnatural storms creating chaos around the world and only Leif’s team along with Iskra can stop them.
Storm Rising is a fast paced, can’t put it down romantic suspense novel with a great cast of characters and a storyline that takes the reader on a wild ride from start to finish. It almost felt like it had a touch of sci fi to it. Ronie Kendig really knows how to bring military ops to life and weaves faith throughout in a subtle but tangible way. I love this story and I’m really looking forward to the second book in this series.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.