Dismantled centuries ago, the sword of Goliath is still rumored to thirst for its enemies’ blood. Cole “Tox” Russell only wants to begin his life with Haven Cortes, but he must first complete a final mission: retrieve that sword and destroy the deadly Arrow & Flame Order. The AFO, however, is determined to claim the sword. Wielding their father’s life over Tzivia and Ram Khalon, they threaten … they threaten to expose Ram’s long-held and dangerous secret while demanding Tzivia locate the sword. With the Wraith team slowly being torn apart, things only worsen when Mercy Maddox, a new operative, emerges with the stunning news that the sword is tied to both Ram’s secret and a string of unsolved serial murders.
Tox, Ram, and the others are forced to set aside fear and anger to focus only on the enemy. No matter the cost, Wraith must stop or take the enemy down with them.
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Ronie Kendig promises rapid-fire fiction and that is what she delivers. What an epic, emotion-twisting ending to a fantastic, blood-pumping series. I’m going to miss the guys with Wraith but I’m interested to see what Ronie has up her sleeve next for her readers. #morecellplease #andmercy #ramforever
I was gutted at the end of Thirst of Steel, the astounding conclusion to The Tox Files. It’s a good thing no one was here. Seriously, my husband would have thought I was crazy, crying over a fictional character like I did but I was totally stunned and almost sick to my stomach—the emotional tension in the final chapters was off the charts! Yes. I know that sounds unbelievable. We are talking about fiction, after all. But I think that is the sign of an unquestionably good book, when the author can draw the reader so far into story that you connect with the characters, feel invested in their lives and the choices they make or don’t make. Every book I choose to read, I hope this is the way I am going to feel.
The Tox Files has been one of the best series I have read and certainly Kendig’s finest! There are many memorable characters that deserve mention. No doubt about it. But the two that impacted me most are Tox and Ram and their relationship. They are not only brothers-in-arms but brothers-in-Christ. The trust between them is unwavering. At a critical moment, they quote the Special Forces Creed to each other. As the parent of an active military member, I know firsthand the bond and allegiance that forms between compatriots and my tears flowed.
Incredible amounts of energy and emotion are prevalent in Thirst of Steel. It resonates with the purest and most perfect example of well-written characters, dialogue, mystery, and sacrifice. No quarter is taken in the pacing, action or intensity of this story. Be prepared for the ride of a lifetime as Tox, Ram, and the Wraith team slake the
Thirst of Steel!
I was provided an electronic copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.
I couldn’t imagine a more epic and emotional conclusion to The Tox Files series! I loved reading about the team members and the new details that emerged about their backstory and what motivates them, especially Ram and his sister Tzi. It’s a nail-biter from the start, and the author definitely exhibits why her tagline is “rapid-fire fiction”! Literal nail-biting is the reason why I have to limit the suspense books I read, but it was so worth it. The romance between Cole and Haven bring all the feels, and I loved the connection I felt to their relationship. Even with the tension I felt while reading the different perspectives I knew would all weave together, I was caught off guard and surprised by the twists and turns of the plot. I definitely recommend reading all the books in the series in order, as they build on each other with character development. Don’t miss this explosive series full of depth, action, and romance!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Thirst of Steel is book three in the Tox Files series by Ronie Kendrig. Ronie keeps you on the edge of your seat with the latest book in her series Thirst of Steel. If you want a suspense book that is full of danger, action-packed excitement than this is the book for you. Be sure to get your copy of Thirst of Steel today.
Absolutely stunning. Every page is adrenaline-filled with high-intensity action and suspense. Yet those raw, tender, emotional moments are the ones that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the book. Ronie Kendig has indeed created a masterpiece of a series in The Tox Files and she ends the series with a mighty bang in The Thirst of Steel. This final book in the series is everything you’ve come to expect from this wonderful author – fast-paced and fluid writing, intricately and tightly woven plot with multiple dimensions that comes together seamlessly, a nice dose of history and archeology, a great splash of humor in dialogue, memorable characters that grab your heart, and a solid thread of faith and prayer integrated into the story.
Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, reading the prequel novella and the subsequent two novels will definitely help in understanding the background for the ultimate mission in this book and also in understanding the characters. We see a lot more of Cell, Ram, and Tzivia in this book than previously and many questions readers have had about Ram are explained. We see a bit more of Levi here, too, which is nice. It’s also nice to see that Tox and Haven are finally together and planning for a life with each other. There are twists and turns to the plot that will leave you with whiplash, for sure. And the angst, ache of love denied and repressed that follow the characters will leave you crying for them.
If you love suspense with military action and delicious romance, you will love the Tox Files, especially The Thirst of Steel. I received a copy of the book from the author and Bethany Publishing. I was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Outstanding…the final book in The Tox Files is simply epic. It’s like Indiana Jones meets Special Ops. Action, intrigue, historical meets contemporary in this final battle of good verses evil. Loved the whole series and can’t wait to start from the beginning again. It’s that good!
Kendig writes the BEST military based fiction. I love her style and her characters are simply perfection. Cannot get enough of this series!
Thirst of Steel is a pulse-pounding conclusion to the Tox files. Ms. Kendig has delivered an EPIC masterpiece! Be sure to clear your schedule before beginning this one. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages. The danger and suspense along with the supernatural elements had me gasping for breath. I loved this adventure with Tox and team.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy action-packed military suspense novels.
I won a copy. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This book is AMAZING! Seriously. I’m floored. This is a fantastic conclusion to an epic series! Ms. Kendig definitely knows how to engage her readers…I was hooked from page 1!! Not usually a huge fan of romance – but this one was so well written that I loved it! And her style of humor is injected in the perfect spots. A winner for sure!
I am prepared for two things when I step into a Ronie Kending story. The first is that I’m going to be swept up into immediate, nonstop adventure and twists and turns I could not even have imagined coming my way. The second is that I will form an intense connection with her characters and spend time when I’m not reading the book worrying about their fates. I believe The Tox Files is her best series yet and Thirst of Steel was everything I could have wanted and more in a conclusion. I was left a bit of an emotional wreck at the end of the story. There was satisfaction at these characters finding peace at happiness after such a mad journey, but there were also some tears and heartbreak to be had as well. I was so distraught about a certain event that I had to wait a day or so after finishing the book to write my review so that I could process my feelings. I have decided to ignore that one part of the book for my own sanity. I enjoyed getting to know Leif Metcalfe a little more and will be eagerly awaiting his turn as leading man in the Book of Wars series.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I have read both books in Ronie Kendig’s The Tox Files series: Conspiracy of Silence and the Crown of Souls and loved them, so of course, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Thirst for Steel. I have heard about this book since I finished the Crown of Souls, and I have been patiently waiting for this book like a little kid trying to behave on the way to Disney World for the first time. Finally, I got the book in my hand, and Kendig did not disappoint.
As always, Kendig’s writing is top notch. I love how she draws me into every little detail of the setting that I need to know. I love how she describes the fight scenes, which are more detailed in male writings in my opinion, but not for Kendig, she rivals any male writer. I love her attention to detail and her ability to bring me into unfamiliar settings and make them familiar for me.
The plot. Of course, my favorite thing about a book. Does it hold my attention? Does my mind wander? As a word of caution when Thirst for Steel starts, there are many different viewpoints. I think, and I could be wrong, there are five present day viewpoints and a past viewpoint. So some readers might find it confusing for a while and wonder how they all are connected. BUT . . . if you have read Kendig before, then the miracle is how she does tie them all together in a pretty bow at the end of the novel. I knew she would, so I stuck though the novel trusting her to do what she promises. I really loved the action in this novel. It is fast paced, and I really had a hard time putting it down. I was running on the treadmill with the book in my hand. I didn’t want to stop.
The characters. Kendig throws a couple of surprises toward the end of the novel. She made me gasp, but I understood and completely empathize with her reasonings for doing what she did. I loved seeing more of the lives of familiar characters as they struggle to achieve their desire for a normal life. I am sad to see the series end and say good-bye to these characters. But now that I have all three books, I think I will return to them and read them again in order, one right after another.
Overall, Thirst for Steel by Ronie Kendig is a wonderful ending to her Tox Files series. It is filled with surprises, actions, and characters I have grown to struggle and empathize with. I am sad to see the series end, but I can’t wait to see what else Kendig has up her sleeve. Onto her next series.
I received a complimentary copy of Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Great story and a somewhat very surprising ending. Loved it.
Absolutely phenomenal action packed and a thriller. I have read all in this series and they do not disappoint..
Looking for jaw-dropping awe inspiring suspense? Look no further than Thirst of Steel, the conclusion to the Tox Files series. Kendig is at the top of her game. Known for keeping readers on their toes, and always mixing things up, Kendig constantly falls under the “expect the unexpected” category. I found myself trying to figure out what would happen next, and yet delightfully surprised when I was wrong. This book is perfect for a vacation straight to the edge of your seat. They don’t call it rapid-fire fiction for nothing. Thirst for Steel follows Tox and his team and they fight against time and a mysterious ancient group bent on destruction.
The sword of Goliath is more than meets the eye. Not only did it save the Hebrews from slavery and death, but it also has a mysterious power. The Arrow and Flame Order will stop at nothing to reassemble what they believe will free them from a curse that has haunted them. Finding a sword that’s been missing for centuries shouldn’t be that difficult right? Lucky for them, they have leverage over the best artifact finder the world knows. Tzivia Khalon would do anything for her father, and when his life hangs in the balance she is even more desperate to give the A.F.O. what they want. Unfortunately no one else wants the sword to fall into the wrong hands. In a race against time and their enemies, Wraith must protect the innocent at all costs. Who will come out on top?
Gosh this book was good. I can’t tell you the range of emotions I went through while reading. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next, and often turned the page holding my breath. No one does military fiction like Ronie Kendig. She is obviously a favorite of mine, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. I loved reading every book in this series and recommend if you don’t own them all that you change that. This book can also be a stand alone novel, you just won’t know the characters as good as I do. I have to say you’ll be missing out. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was in no way forced to post a review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
An epic conclusion to an amazing series!
All I can say is wow! It’s black-ops military meets Indiana Jones and it’s so much fun! This book was a perfect culmination of all the hints and twists from the previous two books, with additional layers of depth and twists and turns I never saw coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend the series. I was sad to see it end and will miss all of the characters, but hopefully we’ll see some of them again in future books.
Thirst of Steel is irresistibly complex, totally captivating, and simply extraordinary! White-knuckle your way through the chapters as Tox and his allies are thrust in the midst of an epic centuries-old battle of physical and spiritual warfare.
Despite the rather large size of this story’s cast, each individual possesses a unique identity and vital role in the mission. The community and comradery among these men and women is a powerful force to be admired and inspired by.
I highly recommend this series and eagerly anticipate future works within this genre from author Ronie Kendig!
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.
I honestly do not know how she did it, but Ronie Kendig’s Thirst of Steel was even better than the last 2 installments (and they were amazing!). I have to say, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. If you enjoy action packed, story telling – this is definitely for you. Ronie does not disappoint and keeps us loving the characters and on our toes with each turn.
In Thirst of Steel, the gang is back, albeit reluctantly. Although all Tox, Cole Russell, would like to do is begin a new chapter with Haven… he is tasked on yet another mission.
The AFO is on a mission to find the sword of Goliath and there are amazing twists and turns along the way… I loved how Ronie continued to interweave a complex story of characters while still engaging the readers. I was really vested in each of the characters from Tox and Haven to Chiji, Ram, and Tzivia…
I was truly shocked at how the story ended. A part of me wishes we could continue to walk with the characters in the future – but Ronie ended their story beautifully. Be prepared to hold your breath and mutter aloud as you read this thriller!
I finally reached the final pages of this book, and MAN what a story!
I loved it all!
If you like action, intrigue, mystery, CIA, FBI, and all those other letter agencies, then you will NOT want to miss this one!! It was absolutely incredible!
I think I felt the whole run of emotions as this one played out.
I wanted to cry. I wanted to just lay the book down and not watch the next scene play out in front of me.
And yet, I HAD TO KNOW what would happen next.
These characters are incredible.
I especially loved Tzivia in this book.
She was right in the middle of the action. A bit crazy at times. And yet, I loved every minute.
I also really like the fact that this book is about Goliath’s sword. One of those objects from the Bible that you wonder what ever happened to them….I loved the idea that was the supporting backbone behind the search to reassemble the sword.
The ending. Oh my. I was so afraid. My mind raced ahead and all the possible scenarios I thought of…well, none of them were pretty.
The author does not disappoint.
It has a satisfying ending. Although, I must say, it’s like with the end of any series…so very bittersweet. I really don’t want to say goodbye to these beloved characters.
But I can’t wait to see what else Ronie Kendig has up her sleeve!
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
OH. MY. GOODNESS. Thirst of Steel was truly an epic read! I’ve said before that Crown of Souls was Kendig at her finest, but she’s really upped the ante with this one and outdone herself.
I was both excited and nervous to start reading Thirst of Steel, the conclusion to The Tox Files. I’ve really enjoyed this series. I didn’t want it to end, but I needed to know how everything was going to conclude. What would become of these characters I’ve come to love and think of as friends?
I really don’t know how to even begin to describe how fantastic this book was. It moved at a lightning fast pace. I could hardly read it fast enough. There were many mind blowing moments and revelations that took my breath away. Times when I’d have to set the book down for a minute to digest what had just happened, what had just been revealed. Then pick it right back up and dive into it again, reading as quickly as possible.
I can’t say enough good things about Thirst of Steel or about the entire series. It’s an exhilarating thrill ride that I highly, highly recommend. I’m excited to see what Kendig comes out with next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
I cried. Several times.
I loved it! My favorite of the series!! Oh. My. Tox. Kendig does not disappoint with this book! All of the action, drama, love and grace that you’ve come to expect in the Tox Files is here! I have thoroughly enjoyed the believability of her characters. I am so sad that this series has ended. I will miss Tox, Haven and Tzivia plus all of Wraith!
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This is my commandment, that you live one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:12-13
Oh Ram! You are a true friend and your love and loyalty to Tox is exceptional. Fox’s faith in you and love for you was not misplaced. I’m so sad that you had to die but love that you knew the choice you had to make and that you had the courage to make that choice.
Tox and Haven I hope that we will get to visit you and your little one in the future! I am sure that future will be filled with so much adventure, love and loyalty that we have come to expect from you both.
And I hope that we came see more of Tzivia and also the members of Wraith (Cell what will we do without you and your sense of humor!). I need to know what happens with you all!