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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This is only the second Ronie Kendig book I’ve read. After the first one, I suspected Kendig to have an unparalleled sense of action and adventure, hooking her readers right from the get-go, and proceeding to take them on a non-stop roller coaster ride from the first page to the last… and then leaving them dangling, desperate (read: d-e-s-p-e-r-a-t-e) for more!!!
Reading Storm Rising merely confirmed my suspicion. I’m a little bit dazed, a whole lot awed, and totally and completely hooked on this author’s words, the characters she’s created, and the flat-out adrenaline rush I got from being so enraptured in this book!
The rest of Kendig’s books are now on my TBR, with several of them already queued up at the library. And I’m anxiously awaiting book two in this particular series (The Book of the Wars), because I don’t just want to know what comes next. At this point, it’s a downright need.
Admittedly, action sequences in books tend to go straight over my head. That’s to no fault of the author–Kendig or otherwise–I just have a limited ability to grasp/understand the hows/wheres/whys of what’s going on. (Ask my husband–I can hardly follow the news!) But in Kendig’s books, Storm Rising especially, I never once stopped visualizing the action. It was like, despite my inability to understand exactly what was happening, I could legit see it all playing out right in front of my eyes. And it. did. not. stop! I was turning pages, biting my nails, and figuratively (and literally) on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Read the book. And when you do, you might as well find someplace comfy to sit and be prepared to stay there awhile.
The swoony alpha male with a mysterious past (Leif) and the enemy-turned-love interest (Iskra/Viorica), will capture your heart straight from the prologue, forcing you to question “will they or won’t they and if they ____, how?” the whole way through. Throw in a team of strong supporting characters and a fictional storyline with enough truth in it to make you wonder if said fiction might someday become reality… and you’ll soon discover what I mean by adrenaline rush.
And why I now have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers. The wait is going to be long!
I am grateful for the opportunity to have been given an advanced copy of this book for the purpose of review, however I cannot reiterate this enough–ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.
I don’t think I can find any more adjectives to describe Kendig’s writing. It’s an adrenaline-packed joy to read her intricate plots with a whisper of romance.
This story brings into focus Leif Metcalfe, younger brother of Canyon (whom we met in Wolfsbane), and Iskra, an enigma. Both are written with such depth and heart; I knew I would fall in love with these characters, but even a week after finishing the book, I still find myself thinking of them—something that doesn’t happen to me often—and anxious for the next installment. Adding to the story of an ancient book is a series of storms wreaking havoc, skimming alongside reality in a way that truly only Kendig can do, and a curious mystery effecting the hero himself.
Added bonus: I had to Google “Book of Wars,” the central artifact of this series because I didn’t remember reading about it in the Bible. But sure enough, there it is in Numbers 21:14-15. How Kendig is able to surround a series around an obscure book mentioned in only one very short passage speaks to her incredible talent.
Again, seriously, you NEED to read this book. If you’ve never read a Kendig novel before, GET THEE TO THE BOOKSTORE! I’ve read every single one of her books, and will continue to do so until she no longer pens another word (and she better not stop, or I’ll die).
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Storm Rising by: Ronie Kendig
Leif Metcalf doesn’t want another team. Being part of a team is hard enough but leading, not after last time. Director Iliescu he doesn’t give him a choice. The team faces so many obstacles they fear there’s no way to win in this task. Everything is against them. Through danger and near drownings they work together to save the world. In the process Leif works to win the favor of one Iskra Tordorova, but is he trying to win her or use her?
Ms. Kendig doesn’t disappoint when it comes to intense action. I feel like I need a triage room myself after finishing this book. Her mastery of character driven plot, creating tension throughout and making you care, want the team to win without losing a member, has this reader coming back for more and wanting the next book asap. If you love suspense you will not be disappointed.
Storm Rising
By: Ronie Kendig
ISBN 9780764231872
U. S. $15.99
Ronie Kendig never fails to deliver action packed, edge-of-your-seat novels and she does not disappoint in Storm Rising. Leif “Runt” Metcalfe and Iskra Todorova, aka Vioroka, have such chemistry from the very beginning you can just feel the electricity between them. I loved that other favorite characters from the Tox Files series appear in this book. Mercy Maddox may be one of my favorite characters ever and she continues her story here. You will find non-stop action, mystery and a bit of romance in these pages. Be ready to read the whole thing when you pick it up. I can’t wait for book 2. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
If Bourne and Captain America had a baby, it would be Storm Rising. Wait. That doesn’t sound right. But you get my point, don’t you? Touches of conspiracy theories and more-than-just-undertones of genetic modifications to create a super soldier/army. Plus that thread of the fantastical woven between the blood-pumping adrenaline that is military thriller. If you’ve read The Tox Files, you know what you’re in for. If not, well, buckle up for a ride. And while the historical/Biblical references are interesting, keep in mind this is a piece of fiction that is extraneous and not a basis for doctrine. (Yes, I realize that’s like those caution signs saying “this is not an exit” taped to walk in freezers, but, you know, they had to put stuff like that up for a reason. I’m just saying.)
Kendig is a master at diverse characters, be it ethnicity, background, occupation, or whatever. And the chemistry she creates between her characters (and I’m not just talking romantic, although, like everything else in a Kendig book, is HOT) is some of the best. There is so much more than just the hero and heroine…there is a whole team, and Kendig pretty much writes you in as a member of said team. So pull up your bootstraps and zip up your tactical gear and let’s go pound the ground. Hooay!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Wow! What a thrilling story! Ronie Kendig is a master storyteller when it comes to military thrillers! This book was full of action! I couldn’t get enough! You won’t want to put this book down! I highly recommend it, but would also recommend reading the Tox Files series first. I really can’t wait for the next book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
LEIF METCALFE IS BACK!!!!
Ronie Kendig’s latest book Storm Rising (Book of Wars 1) is exactly what the title says, it is a rising storm that will hit you like thunder and lightning. With her military and psychology knowledge Ms. Kendig once again creates a realistic, in this case, SEAL team that is diverse in both personality and ethnicity as well as what they do within the team.
Within these three-hundred-eighty-six pages is a thriller that will have you hanging on for dear life and unable to put down for fear you will miss something. If you’ve read any of Ms. Kendig’s previous books you know what a ride her books are if not buckle up because you will have the ride of your life.
Besides the military angle, I loved the historical/biblical theme that ran throughout the book. I’ve been a huge fan of Ronie Kendig’s since her book Deadly Reckoning was released in 2009. Her story telling and creativity with military thrillers is one of the best in Christian fiction today. If you have been waiting to read a Ronie Kendig novel here’s your chance. It’s the beginning of a new series so what are you waiting for?
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Excuse me while I wallow in a book hangover…….
Seriously this book was amazing.
Action packed, intense, non-stop, ahhhhh I love Kendig’s powerful writing!
Leif was a great hero (understatement), he was dedicated, protective and loyal (swoon). You meet some of the characters from the Tox files, and they are off on a new epic adventure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. My review and opinion is my own. It is so good, I want to read it again right before the second book comes out!!!!!!!
Seriously people, it is that good.
If you like fast paced romantic suspense, you will definitely not want to miss this book!
Anyway, another thrilling book that had me on the edge of my seat and anxiously awaiting the ability to preorder Kings Falling because I need to know how things end! Not that they ended bad as it is, but there were definitely questions that I must have answered! Please, for the sake of my poor nerves, can it be April yet?
This book was yet again filled with the sass, humor, chemistry and family that I love in each and every one of Ronie’s books. I also loved getting to see some old characters, not only from The Tox Files, but also getting more on the Metcalfe’s from back in the Discarded Heroes!! It was interesting to see Canyon again and there’s part of me that hopes the rest of them get to make a cameo or two!
As I mentioned, there were some questions. For example: Cell. Granted after things happened with the AFO and Ram and all of that, it’s kind of understandable that he might not want to be boots on the ground anymore, but at the same time, he felt like he was a lot more…evasive about his actual reasons/job description now that he’s with Leif and co. Or maybe that’s just me? Then there’s Andrew. What side is he on?! Good guy? Bad guy? Loki? Enigma’s abound! I’d also like to know more about the Meteoroi and those components. Mainly: How many are left!
And what happened to Leif in the desert? Iliescu is worried and enough that he brings in Canyon, so there’s something. I find myself in need of answers almost as bad as Leif!!
And then there’s Mercy. I still love her, she’s sassy and snarky and knows her way around a computer. And which super team to bet on (sorry Leif, but Marvel all the way!!). I do still want to know about her. Obviously, she keeps things close to the chest, but there’s still more to her than meets the eye. And I find myself oddly excited about a potential something between she and Baddar. Hopefully she doesn’t try to convince herself that this is misplaced Ram something.
I do want to talk about the chemistry. Oh baby! I loved it!! The team in general had great chemistry and was able to work so well together, anticipating and watching each other’s backs and also able to rib each other like there’s no tomorrow. And then there’s the romance. Even amongst the danger, I found myself getting giddy with excitement as things progressed. Of course, there were some things that had me almost screaming (I reined myself in since I was at work) as people got soooooo close and then backed away for whatever reason. But that being said, I loved the determination that was exhibited when going after the one they wanted.
Seriously can’t wait for Kings Falling!! Is it April yet? **I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.**
An elite team of soldiers, with top-of-their-field hackers and specialists in various fields, racing desperately to get the prize before foreign groups with nefarious plans gets their hands on…a book?!? Wait, what? Ohhh, but this isn’t just ANY book! This is a book spoken of in the Bible, thought to have prophetic knowledge of wars to come!
Joining Lief, Mercy, Devine, Cell and the team as they battle evil, and the elements, learning who they can and can’t trust, while chasing THE BOOK OF WARS is a can’t-put-down adventure! (Ok yes, I put it down but only because hungry toddlers have a way of making themselves known lol)
The witty repartee. The adrenaline packed storyline. Watching the group meld into a team…. this is a don’t miss book!!!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Storm Rising is an adventure you won’t want to miss!
Storm Rising is action packed from the first page! Reintroducing Leif Metcalfe (who will no longer be referred to as Canyon’s little brother) and Iskra Todorova, Ronie Kendig takes you on an adventure with them that you will never want to end. Ms. Kendig knows how to write a book; action, thtills, faith, amazing characters, it is so easy to get lost in her books. From page one of Storm Rising you are grabbed ahold of and you will not be released until the last page where you will be left wanting more!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
I am amazed at how talented this author is. She is able to write a story that jumps off the pages and becomes real. You can feel yourself there as the team is in tunnels scrambling for their lives. Her knowledge about the Navy Seals, CIA and other agencies is evident in the details she provides.
Leif is everything you expect in a team leader. He is determined, powerful and never gives up. I loved that he was in charge and knew this was going to be an adventure with danger, intrigue and casualties. The action is non stop and brings chills as you read the enemy they face. I loved the military influence in the story and how technology became a factor in helping their their mission.
There is someone who doesn’t want Leif and his team to succeed and it makes for thrills and surprises throughout the story. There is a bit of romance in the book that is worth mentioning. It’s not the main focus of the story but it sure puts some things into perspective at times. I know the team has a very important task , but there is always time for a little romance to lighten up the intensity a bit.
This by far is the author’s best book with characters that are realistic and a thriller that takes us across the world into the far reaches of enemy territory. There is a continuous surge of danger and oh my the team does make me feel very protective in this crazy world we live in. I would definitely want Leif and his team to be front and center should any danger arise around us. I know they are just characters, but to me the author has made them so genuine and real, you can almost see them in the desert fighting. This is one story that has all the elements for a best seller. I am already anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Ronie Kendig has an amazing ability to make you feel the gamut of emotions whenever you read one of her stories! You know, at a minimum, you’re in for an absolutely creative, intense, action packed, unputdownable read! You will also get to meet characters that have incredible camaraderie, with absolutely perfect banter, that will have you laughing out loud!
I loved so many characters in this story, but I’ll just talk about my favorites or else this review will be way too long! Leif and Iskra – I love the complexity and the off the charts chemistry of their relationship! I can’t wait to read more about them, especially Leif and what happened to him in the past! Mercy, who I think is my all time favorite female character ever, makes me laugh pretty much every time she opens her mouth- except for that one statement she makes that basically wrecked me – again! (Can’t say it here- spoilers!) And then there is Lawe and Devine, another pair with some great chemistry! They really need a story of their own. I want to know all of their history together!! And, finally, Baddar, again, I think he needs a book of his own! What an intriguing character! I really want to know more about him and his past! And, I think he may match up beautifully with Mercy. And now, I kind of feel disloyal.
Another thing I loved about this story is the creativeness of the storyline. Ronie Kendig takes cloud seeding, which is the process of combining different types of chemical agents with existing clouds to increase the chance of rainfall or snow- and the unknown Book of the Wars – briefly mentioned in Numbers 21- and turns them into an amazingly creative story- one you won’t soon forget and one that will make you be begging for book 2, Kings Falling, which comes out in April of 2020!
Ronie is a master at her craft. If you haven’t read one of her stories, you should! They are not to be missed!! I LOVED everything about this story! It is my favorite read of 2019 so far, and I’m sure it’ll be in my top 1 or 2 reads of the year. And the only reason I’m saying it might not be number 1 is because Ronie Kendig has another book coming out in December, Brand of Light!!! This story is in a class by itself!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Ronie Kendig’s The Book of Wars series opener, Storm Rising, is a tension filled mixture of James Bond and Indiana Jones. The plot moved and kept moving from one hair raising moment to the next. Wow! I can’t imagine writing something like this. I know that movies do it all the time, so I know it can be done, but to have Kendig create it out of words for my imagination to fill in the blank is a huge feat. If readers are familiar with Kendig’s previous series, The Tox Files, then they should be familiar with Leif. He is a truly heroic man who will do anything to protect others. So of course, Iskra makes the perfect foil for Leif. She wants her freedom, but she is equipped with skills to challenge any assassin. Her reasoning for hunting to the Book of Wars is honest and admirable. Overall, Ronie Kendig’s Storm Rising took me for a wild ride all over and allowed me to empathize with the characters. I anxiously await for the next book in the series. Like I do with all of Kendig’s novels. Definitely books for the keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Storm Rising, the first book in the Book of the Wars series, packs an extremely powerful punch! This author is known for combining high intensity military storylines with mysteries tied to Biblical artifacts and settings. And the thread of romance is woven into these storylines in just the perfect way. Storm Rising incorporates all of these elements in a new and exciting way, and now has me anxiously anticipating book two!
I liked Leif and Iskra, so much! I loved the way I could connect with these characters who had both gone through so much in their pasts and were such strong and often intimidating people. Yet, the author was able to tell their backstories in a way that didn’t weaken them, but explained them.
I am excited about this new series and seeing what happens with all of the characters on Leif’s team in future books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Ronie Kendig, Storm Rising Book One, The Book of Wars
A great read, intense action and adventure. The action is powerful from beginning to end. The characters are well written and developed. This is a fast paced read with action around every corner. Be prepared for your heart to pound and hold on to the edge of your seat. If you like military secrets this book is for you. Navy Seal Leif and his team search for a lost book of the Old Testament. And in the process fight Viorica who is also desperately searching for it and they battle this weird weather. You will also find a little romance mixed in the mist. Ronie Kendig did and outstanding job with Storm Rising. I give Storm Rising 5 stars and look forward to book 2.
Wow. I’ll admit I was nervous about how Ronie Kendig would follow the Tox Files series. And then came Leif Metcalfe and his team. This book gripped me from the screaming top line til the final words. Storm Rising is a full on rollercoaster of a book that pulls heart strings, raises adrenaline and causes bags under the eyes. Well done!
This book has it all. Tight pacing, an ensemble cast, and a love story in the making. Ronie Kendig is a master at the military thriller that also has heart. This book will thrill her previous readers and be a fantastic introduction to new to her readers.
Ronie Kendig has outdone herself this time. Do not start this book at night unless you are ready for a sleepless night. Once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down.
Leif and Iskra are so life like. You hurt when they hurt and cry when they cry. You find yourself cheering for them and Leif’s rag tag team as they travel the globe in hopes of saving mankind.
Ronie Kendig is a gifted storyteller. She takes a real look at military struggles and issues, blending them into fabulous tales which we don’t want to end. This story is one of those tales. From the VERY FIRST line:
“He’d never killed a woman in cold blood before, but now was as good a time as any.”
To the VERY LAST line.
I was hooked and didn’t want to put this book down!
You go on a roller-coaster ride with Leif and his team. From one mission to another with little time to breathe, and that’s what I wanted to do . . . JUST BREATHE! Wow! The action in this book is none stop. Then add to this action, suspense, and weird weather stuff. What you get is a book which will keep you on the edge of your seat, hands white-knuckled on the chair just waiting to see what’s going to happen.
Ronie Kendig knows how to twist and turn the story in such a way you don’t see what’s right in front of you and when you see it, you can’t believe it!
If you want to read a book packed full of intrigue, suspense, action (LOTS OF ACTION!), drama, military struggles, and a bit of romance, then this is the book for you!
You might need a day or two to process all that happens in this book.
Believe me, you won’t be able to breathe deeply until the end, but it will be worth it.
I highly recommend reading this book. Pick it up and start on the adventure of your life.
I was given this book by the publisher for an honest review, all opinions are my own.