Brandenburg by Glenn Meade
Reviewed by: Amber McCallister
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Howard
Publication Date: April 2013

Brandenburg is a smart, unrelenting, fast-paced set of events that never let up until the end of the book. The highly-charged, action-packed plot will keep you guessing until all of the pieces of the puzzle finally come together. Unless you really know your history, you won’t ever see the end coming. This story was a true treasure that I was privileged to dive into and enjoy.

The premise behind this story will have you shaking your head and desperately trying to wrap your brain around what all is going on. This story spans two continents and all of the events are tightly woven together to bring about a spectacular ending full of the best type of fireworks. The detail in this story is staggering and very enjoyable to immerse yourself in. The characters that you will meet run the gamut from downright despicable to hauntingly heroic. They will pull you in and keep you thoroughly entertained throughout the complexity and seriousness of this high speed thriller.

This story was born from a mystery that Glenn Meade stumbled upon while doing research for an article. Although the details are sketchy and questionable at best, it was such an amazing plot for this story. While we can enjoy every exquisite ounce of this story, we can continue to hope that this mystery is not, in fact, true, or that there will at least be people around to stop the world from plunging into darkness once more.

I found Brandenburg to be a wonderfully entertaining and delightfully intriguing story. It was such a wonderful surprise that I had a hard time putting it down. Anyone who enjoys a mind-boggling and in-depth thriller will absolutely love Brandenburg. This is one story that will make you sit up and think about how close this could come to happening right now in our lifetime. I am eager to read more from this truly gifted and amazing writer.

Rated PG-13: Some adult topics and situations discussed in this book would be very sensitive for younger readers.

Review copy provided by the publisher. Thank you!

Reviewed by: Amber McCallister
Genre: Fiction/Speculative/Thriller
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication Date: February 12, 2013

The Little Seer by Laura Cowan is a high-intensity, no holds barred, we-are-coming-to- get-you thriller that will open your eyes to more than you can ever imagine. It will make you think twice about what you think you see, and it will not easily let you go. The pages of this book will ensnare and lure you into a safe lull before jumping out of the shadows to reveal its true self. You will take one wild ride. The question (from that of my favorite author, Ted Dekker) that you have to answer for admission is, “Wanna trip, baby?”

This story begins with a sweet and confused twelve-year-old girl named Aria. She is a typical pre-adolescent who is just trying to understand the people and things around her in order to find her place in this world. She isn’t overly demanding or selfish, but she finds that her friends are beginning to treat her differently than they used to due to their heightened sense of differences, as they are getting older. The grown-ups around her are changing as well, but she can’t easily figure out where their changes are coming from. Unknown to her, Aria is about to embark on a truly life-changing journey that will forever alter her, her world-view, and her heart. Her parents, her church, and her community will never be the same again.

Aria isn’t sure she is up to the challenges that lay ahead, but she has more inner strength than even she realizes. Thankfully, the young girl begins to watch as her list of allies goes from zero to overflowing as they are introduced into her life just as she needs them. She is able to draw strength and endurance from her parents, her old friends, and even some surprising new friends. Aria finds that she may be able to do what is asked of her if only she will lay aside her doubts and fears and pick up the mantle that has been laid at her feet.

The love and compassion that flows from the pages of this book will revitalize even the coldest and hardest of hearts. Rivers of peace, mercy, and grace will replenish your spirit, and you will rest and rejoice in the knowledge that you are not alone and forgotten. We are all treasured and cherished beyond what our mortal comprehension can understand and fathom. Our lives have a beautiful and magnificent purpose if we will only gather up enough courage to discover what it is.

I must warn you that when you begin a journey in search of the truth, such as the one that Aria takes, the resistance that you will come up against is considerable. This is not an easy, pleasant walk down the yellow brick road. Instead, it is a journey wrought with danger and evil. When you go in search of things that some don’t want you to uncover, life is made much more difficult than it would normally be. The dark doesn’t want the light to shine on it and reveal what it is doing. Please know that taking this type of a journey, while dangerous, is always worth it. What you gain in the end makes what you lose in the process pale by comparison. You will never regret it.

This story touched me deeply on a very personal level.  I was astounded at how events and people from my past seemed to run parallel to some of what we see Aria experience. It broke my heart that someone gathered bits and pieces of such a haunting, hurtful, and yet valuable part of my life and then artfully weaved them into such a thought-provoking journey that I felt so ashamedly naked but also overwhelmingly loved. While I know this story isn’t about me, it pains me to realize that it is about all of us. We have all experienced parts of what Aria has to deal with and live through, and we all need something to help pull us through it and change us as a result of it. I will always treasure this story and will continue to allow its truth and lessons to ring in my ears as a reminder of the important things in life that should never be forgotten. I would like to thank Laura Cowan from the bottom of my heart for such a wonderful, heart-wrenching story of love. May God fill your heart with new stories that will reach out into this dark world and touch the lives of those who need healing, hope, and a renewal of their spirit.

Rated PG-13: While this story is geared towards tweens and teens, the topics discussed are intense and some younger kids may not be emotionally mature enough to completely understand them.

                                                                                                                                                                  Review copy provided by the author. Thank you!

Prophetess (Winter Book 2) by Keven Newsome
Reviewed by: Amber McCallister
Genre: Fiction\Thriller
Publisher: Splashdown Darkwater
Publication Date: November 1, 2012

Prophetess is the continuation of the amazing and extraordinary adventures of Winter. We see Winter beginning to mature in her walk with God. She is trusting God more and learning how to use the gifts of Prophesy given to her by God. She is daring to continue to walk outside of her comfort zone and learn more and more each day of the purpose that God has for her life.

We watch with pure delight and quiet anticipation as Winter deepens and stretches her faith in God each day. She continues to transform on the inside and the outside into the beautiful and spectacular creation that He made her to become. What a delight it is to peer into her soft heart that is desperately reaching out to know more of who God is and what He wants her to do. Her tenderness and patience towards her precious and hurting friend Kaci is proof of just how far Winter has come from her days of being angry at God and running as far away from Him as she possibly could.

She is learning through an independent study course with the head of her department what it means to be a Prophet of God. She is discovering the special talents and abilities that the Prophets in the Old Testament used to accomplish God’s will for His people and is blown away by what God will do through her to accomplish the task that He has for her life. Being dumfounded and perhaps a little scared by these new abilities of hers is a bit of an understatement, but she know that everything will work out as it is supposed to with God’s help and direction.

This chapter of Winter’s new life begins with her being pulled into an on-going investigation of hiding the only surviving victim of a horrible school shooting that took place years ago in a town far from Winter. This little girl was the only person who walked out of her classroom alive after her teacher and classmates were viscously gunned down. The purpose of this shooting was not known at the time, but the FBI knew enough to keep this little girl safe and to place her in protective custody.

Winter was told what she thought was this little girl’s name from a dying FBI agent and she was charged to find the girl and keep her safe. She was also instructed not to trust anyone as the people who wanted to kill this now young lady could be anywhere and be anyone. The only advantage that Winter was given was that the people looking for this girl did not know who she was. They would be watching and waiting for Winter to find her for them. Winter took this assignment to heart and immediately began working on trying to find her, but she tried to do it in a way that wouldn’t bring any attention to her. Twice she thought she tracked this girl down and twice she found out that she placed an innocent girl needlessly in harm’s way. However, this didn’t stop Winter’s pursuit of this girl and her ultimate purpose of saving her life. On the contrary, it fueled her determination to find and locate this girl and do all that she could to keep her safe.

In the end, Winter already knew who this girl was, and she was already successfully yet unknowingly protecting her.   When she finally figured this out with God’s help, He also revealed to both her and this girl the beautiful purpose for which she was born to fulfill. God was going to turn what she saw as ugliness from the enemy into a beauty beyond her mere mortal comprehension. He was going to do what God is so good at doing and that is to show us just how important, precious, valuable, and loved we truly are despite our feelings and physical appearance based on our pathetic human standards. God not only revealed to this girl who she really was, but He also showed Winter who she really was and just how vital her role was in helping she fulfill hers.

We are also granted a continued look into Winter’s past to see just how far she has come from where she was hating and running away from God after the death of her mother to finally reaching a turning point in her life and the events that brought about that change. We are given the chance to see how this girl’s and Winter’s lives are more and more the same. Both have followed the same pattern of being specially chosen by God for a purpose neither can begin to fathom, evil penetrating every inch of their lives trying to profane what God had ordained, and finally God picking up the mangled and dying flower and breathing His overwhelming love-infused life into it. The lives of these two girls are mirror images of how the enemy desperately tries to destroy what God creates for good. God only wants what is best for us unlike Satan, but we must also be prepared for battle whenever we take up our God-given calling for Satan knows how effective and triumphant God’s plans are and he will stop at nothing to steal, kill, and destroy those who seek to fulfill God’s plan for their life.

Our lives are irrevocably and mysteriously intertwined with each other here on earth. When we hurt, others around us hurt as well. When we are angry, that anger is contagious and spreads like wildfire. When we love, that love brings healing and hope to everyone we meet. When we completely embrace God in our life, we forever transform those around us through our faith, hope, and love. So, let us seek out God and allow Him to reveal to us the role we have to play in this life in order to show each other just how beautiful, breath-taking, and important we are to each other. We need to be willing to be God’s hands and feet in this horribly deceived and deeply hurting world. We need to take every opportunity to show each other how passionately and unabashedly God loves them and wants them. Everyone has a purpose for which they were born and we need to nurture that beautiful creation that has been torn apart and left for dead and breathe life back into it and then watch how God will use them to perform mind-blowing miracles and astonishing acts of redemption.

This story has already won a place in my heart as well as on my bookshelf, and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter of this incredibly touching and boundlessly encouraging ride. I know that anyone who reads these two books will have their heart soar with hope and encouragement and know what it feels like to watch a butterfly emerge from its cocoon. The sheer beauty of the transformation may initially blind them but they will soon be excitedly searching around to catch another glimpse of the magnificent new creation and to see what happens next.

Rated PG-13: There is an elementary school shooting that takes place in this story that children will not be able to deal with.

Review copy provided by the publisher. Thank you!

Soul’s Gate (A Well Spring Novel) by James L. Rubart
Reviewed by: Amber McCallister
Genre: Fiction/Thriller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: November 6, 2012

Soul’s Gate is a raw and revealing journey into the true battlefield for our heart and soul. It peeks behind the veil and exposes just a tiny part of the spiritual realm that is all around us and yet hidden to our mortal eyes. It will slowly blow your mind as to the revelations that are laid out before you. The workings of the spiritual world are only explored in a very miniscule way in order to help us to begin to comprehend what is being shown to us. We see the physical human ways in which demons can work on and influence us. It’s absolutely terrifying the effective methods that they use to manipulate us, but in the end the only power that they have over us is the power that we allow them to have over us. Once we begin to fight them with the power that God has given to us, they have to flee or else they will be destroyed. It’s this message of complete and utter God given freedom from the forces of Satan that would imprison and destroy us that resounds and repeats throughout this intensely beautiful story.

Your mind will reel, do cartwheels, and then flatline as merely the surface of the mysteries of God are portrayed in this story. Can you imagine what would happen to our small minds if God even tried to begin showing us layer by layer of who He is truly is?! No human mind can process who He truly is. These fragile bodies of ours could not even begin to be able to handle and process it. It’s these revelations that we find the main characters Brandon, Marcus, and Dana grappling with under the teaching of Reece Roth. These three people deal with the revealing of these mysteries the same as any of us would. They are stunned, doubtful, and confused until they being to experience these things personally. They still don’t understand, but they slowly begin to believe in spite of themselves. After all, the mind can’t comprehend what the heart knows and feels. I believe that our heart is the only part of our mortal being that can still contemplate and comprehend on some level the magnitude and boundlessness of our Omnipotent and Omnipresent God. Our heart is not bound by the same human limits as our mind which is conditioned by our society to only accept things we can see, taste, and touch. We need to face the realization that we don’t know God as much as we think we do. We can’t put God in a box.

We need to learn how to effectively claim the power that lies with our Lord and Savior. We need to learn how to plunge deeply into Jesus and the love and grace He pours out upon us. Our life will teeter on the brink of destruction if we fail to accept it. We are either a stronghold for God or a playground for Satan and his demons. Satan’s power comes from us surrendering what was originally meant for God to him. If we deny that power to Satan and his demons, they can’t touch us. They are helpless to destroy us. They will just move onto the next person who will unwittingly give them the power they seek.

Our heart’s desire should be to battle through prayer for each other, to love each other, and to lay down our lives for each other as we watched Reece, Brandon, Marcus, and Dana do for each other time and time again. This is what is required for those who want to follow in God’s footsteps and reach the ends of the earth in His name even if the ends of the earth is just our neighborhood. We need to completely surrender ourselves to Him and let Him work His will. Only then will people truly be changed and the Heavens will rejoice in the salvation and freedom of yet another oppressed soul on Earth.

This story awoke in me the memories of my past where I came up against people and situations that were outside the normal for me. This story brought some understanding to those past events, and deeply touched my heart as to their implications. Through the persecution and isolation I felt as a child and young adult, I ran so fast and so hard to God that the tears in my eyes often stung my face. I threw myself into His arms and begged Him for His love, acceptance, and peace, and He gave them to me in a very quiet and comforting way. He held me up when I couldn’t stand myself, and He wiped away my tears every time a new piece of my heart was broken off. I know with all my heart and soul that I wouldn’t be here I am now nor have all that I have without God. He is my strength, my life, and my reason to live.

Soul’s Gate brought healing, comfort, and encouragement to me, and I know that it can bring to same to you if you have come up against resistance of an unearthly nature that have left you broken and hurting. I would recommend this book to everyone because we all need to know that we are facing isn’t human and needs to be fought with our faith not our fists. We need to know how to prepare ourselves for battles such as the ones detailed in this story. This book also challenges us to dig deeper in our faith and go beyond the surface where a lot of us find ourselves. We need to pursue God with the same passion and intensity that He pursues us with. Only then will we truly find out who we are and why we are here on this planet. We all need this love relationship with our Creator more than the very air that we breathe.

Rated PG-13: Children will be scared by the discussion of demons, and the “battle” scenes may be too intense for them to handle.

Review copy provided by the publisher. Thank you!

Frantic by Mike Dellosso
Reviewed by: Amber McCallister
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
Publisher: Realms
Publication Date: 2012

Frantic is a light speed paced, exquisite journey of how faith can forever change us and the world around us. The beautifully crafted characters in this story reveal how fragile and tender our hearts really are. It doesn’t take much hurt, pain, and suffering to break, shatter, and destroy a person’s heart. The key ingredient in that deadly concoction is that we must care about the person who is hurting us or the person who gets caught in the middle of the struggle and pain. This is what we see happen to the main characters in this story – Marny, Esther, and William. While Marny experiences this firsthand, Esther and William are the ones caught in this middle of their parent’s mistakes.

This story grabs you by the throat and takes you on a high stakes journey exploring the power and the impact that faith truly has on our lives. You see the daring rescue of Esther and her younger brother William by Marny from their crazed uncle Gary. Then they miraculously survive a high speed chase with Gary only to be trapped in another hell with Esther and William’s father. The intensity of this story never lets up, and just when you think you have this story straight in your head, Mike Dellosso pushes you down the rabbit hole into Wonderland where you are falling helplessly face down a seemingly never ending hole filled with darkness and the knowledge that you are not alone.

This story reveals a deeply touching and painfully honest look at the human heart and how it can be so easily changed by the forces we allow to influence us. While we can’t choose what will try to influence us or by whom, we ultimately have the choice of how to respond to it. The question then becomes one of faith and of what matters the most to you. If pain and suffering is rained down upon you, how would you respond? Who would you run to or run away from? Would you deal with it gracefully while leaning completely on God, or will you fold in on yourself after finding that you are not strong enough to endure this trial on your own?

While we may feel like we are just aimlessly and helplessly walking around this world on our own with no one or nothing taking any notice of us that is so far from the truth. Our steps are guided by the boundless and unimaginable love and grace of our majestic Creator. He knows what we go through. He hurts when he sees us hurting and He laughs when we are happy. While we may not have physical contact with Him, if we are quiet and still in our heart, we can hear Him speaking to us through a soothing whisper or through those around us that touch our lives or through the intricate beauty and breath-taking care with which He cares for even the lowliest creatures of our world. Our part in this is to trust Him and to have faith that He will see us safely to our journey’s end.

I absolutely loved this book, and I would highly recommend it to all who seek not only a thrilling ride but also the knowledge of someone who loves you unimaginably and recklessly and who wants only the best for you. Mike Dellosso is a cunning and artful writer who will deliver massive twists and turns to keep even the most seasoned reader intrigued and engaged until the last page. You will not be disappointed in the least after reading this book. In fact, I know you will be heading over to Amazon.com to find your next Dellosso book because you will be hooked.

Rated PG-13: This is some mature content and discussions of cults.

Review copy provided by the publisher. Thank you!

Amber McCallister (General Mayhem Assistant)

I am a wife and mother who also works full time in the IT field at a University. My life is never dull, so when I get the chance to read, I do so eagerly. I am working on my library at home for when I have more time to read. Of course, I don’t know when that time will come, but I gladly take whatever time I can get. I have loved to read ever since I first learned how in early elementary school. I could never get enough. I was always wanting more books to read. I am still that way now, and my family now asks me what besides books would I like for my birthday and Christmas. There are times I don’t know what to tell them since books bring me such great joy outside of my family and friends.

I have discovered so much about myself and God and the world around me through my reading. Books open your eyes and your mind like nothing else can. You can take a safe journey and explore without any of the normal risks involved which make them a wonderful gift. I can’t imagine my like without books, so I am very grateful for the wonderful authors that I have discovered along the way. They are each unique and so very important for they each have a very important story to tell us. Without each of their stories, we don’t see the entire story that God is trying to tell us.

2 Seconds Late by Eric Wilson
Reviewed by: Amber McCallister
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
Publisher: Bay Forest
Publication Date: February 1, 2012

This book is the continuation of the pulse-pounding and emotionally charged story from book one, One Step Away, in the By the Numbers series. This part of the story focuses on Natalie Flynn and the important role she has to play. Natalie essentially parallels the role of Esther from the Bible – being raised up for such a time as this. She has an important role to play in the plot of human micro-chipping, but just as Esther she must choose whether or not to play this part. What she discovers about herself and others along the way will shape and mold her mind, her heart, and her future. Will she risk it all and do what she knows to be right, or will she take the easy way out and throw away a promising yet unknown future for fear and temporary good fortune?

This story is a thought provoking and deeply touching story about surrendering control of our lives to God. When we finally let go of our life, our goals, and give our hopes and dreams over to God, we will see amazing things begin to happen just as Natalie experienced. This is a story of immense encouragement to live and to love. We cannot be bound by fear, but instead we must push forward and walk in the knowledge that God will always be there to watch over us and to take care of us. He won’t leave us alone, but He also won’t force His will on us. We have to choose to love Him, trust Him, and obey Him.

What touched me the most about this story was the immense depth and breathe of each of the characters. They felt so real to me. They reached out and took ahold of my heart and brought me along with them on this insanely wonderful journey. I struggled with them, laughed with them, and my heart soared when things feel into place for them like they were meant to all along. I felt like they were such good friends by the time this story was over, and I didn’t want to let them go. I can’t wait to see what the next part of this series brings! I can’t wait to meet more awesome people and walk with them on their own journey. Eric’s mind is a treasure trove filled with the unexpected, brilliant, and perfect elements that make up a literary and sensory masterpiece.

This story will appeal to a wide range of readers as it discusses and explores the promising yet precarious topic of human micro-chipping, the deep longing in our soul for boundless love and unwavering purpose from the Creator of the Universe, and the innate desire to find our place in this world. With its unexpected and delightful twists and turns, this story will keep readers enthralled and guessing until the very last page. Eric Wilson continues to surprise and delight with the richness and depth and breadth of his astounding talent. I can’t wait to read the next installment of his By the Numbers series! I know it won’t disappoint.

Rated PG-13: There is some mature content discussed throughout this story.

Review copy provided by reviewer.

 

 Amber McCallister

 I am a wife and mother who also works full time in the IT field at a University. My life is never dull, so when I get the chance to read, I do so eagerly. I am working on my library at home for when I have more time to read. Of course, I don’t know when that time will come, but I gladly take whatever time I can get. I have loved to read ever since I first learned how in early elementary school. I could never get enough. I was always wanting more books to read. I am still that way now, and my family now asks me what besides books would I like for my birthday and Christmas. There are times I don’t know what to tell them since books bring me such great joy outside of my family and friends.

I have discovered so much about myself and God and the world around me through my reading. Books open your eyes and your mind like nothing else can. You can take a safe journey and explore without any of the normal risks involved which make them a wonderful gift. I can’t imagine my like without books, so I am very grateful for the wonderful authors that I have discovered along the way. They are each unique and so very important for they each have a very important story to tell us. Without each of their stories, we don’t see the entire story that God is trying to tell us.

 

Winter, by Keven Newsome
Reviewed by: Amber McCallister
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
Publisher: Splashdown Darkwater
Publication Date: 2011

Winter is a story about a teenager who has lost her heart, her rosy outlook on life, and any faith she had in God. With the death of her mother, she lost her heart and her reason to love. With the twisted version of friends that she made after moving to a new school in order to live with her dad, she lost her ability to trust people. In light of the mistakes she made with those friends, she has come to hate everything about herself. To fill the yearning for some type of comfort she wraps herself in the Goth lifestyle and hides within herself trying to block out the pain and help her walk through life with a numbing sense of fulfillment.

Despite herself, God sees her and loves her through it all. He has a purpose for her life that she could never dream of or even see for herself. He desires to take her broken life and remake her into the beautiful woman that He has always meant for her to be. The question is then laid out before Winter if she will trust Him and let Him transform her into what she was created to be. The answer that Winter seeks comes only through the hardships and struggles that she faces during her first year of college. As with all things worth fighting for, these journeys cannot be taken without experiencing pain and growth.

Few stories have gripped my heart and soul as this one has. I walked besides Winter as she went through the most horrible moments in her life. I watched her agonize over the mistakes she made. I wanted to reach out and comfort her when she was at her lowest points. I experienced her emptiness and my heart cried out for her to feel the love she so desperately needed.

I can’t count the number of tears that poured from my eyes as I walked in Winter’s footsteps. My heart ached for her every step of the way. I cheered her on and watched with bated breath as her story unfolded before my eyes. It was as if I watched one of my own daughters go through her time of decision and change.

This story arrested my heart, destroyed it, and then remade it into a much better version of itself. I could say that it took my breath away, but that would not be giving it the justice it so deserves. The limited words in our human vocabulary seem to fall disappointingly short of what is earned by this magnificently talented author who has birthed this unbelievably amazing story into life. Dare I say that his burgeoning talent could place him on the same level as some of my all-time favorite authors such as Ted Dekker or Frank Peretti. The potential of witting craftsmanship shown in this beautifully captivating story is limitless. I am so excited to hear that a sequel is being written, and to say that I am very excited to read it does not give my eagerness justice. I am confident that we can expect more masterful stories from this author in the years to come and I can’t wait to read them!

Rated PG-13: I chose the PG-13 rating due to the adult themes touched on in this book.

Review copy provided by publisher. Thank you!

The Sanctuary, by Ted Dekker
Reviewed by: Lori Twichell
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Publisher: Center Street
Publication Date: 10/30/2012

Danny Hansen used to be a Priest. He would listen to people’s confessions, help some through their difficulties, and preach the gospel of God’s word the best way he knew how. He also used to be a murderer. Now he’s in prison, serving a fifty year term for the murder of two abusive men. He spends his days observing people (as he always did), listening to everyone’s troubles, and learning how to survive the prison system. He’s pretty much a model prisoner until he gets sent to a brand new type of prison. At Basal, he’s thrust into an unconventional system with a unique set of rules and a frightening set of consequences.

When Renee Gilmore, Danny’s girlfriend, receives a package that contains a bloody finger along with threats against Danny unless she acts on terrifying demands, the wheels are set into motion for a Ted Dekker thrill ride that literally grabs you by the throat and will not let go.

The Priest’s Graveyard was one of my favorite Dekker reads. I felt that the arguments, situations, and the final message of the book was one of the most powerful ways to present the gospel that I’d ever read. When I picked up The Sanctuary, it was with that odd mixture of excitement, curiosity and trepidation that one can only get from reading one of Ted’s novels. I never know exactly where he’s going to take me or how we’re going to get there and to be honest, sometimes that frightens me. There have been a couple of Ted’s books that have really not been my cup of tea. (This isn’t a surprise to anyone who has listened to previous interviews between Ted and me.)

This book straddled the line between the books that I really love and books that are too dark for me. There were moments of incredible overwhelming heaviness that made me pause and need to step away from the tale. It was too much for me. My brain didn’t want to comprehend some of what I was reading. At the same time, I was unable to put the book down for the excitement of figuring out where the next whiplash twist would be spinning my brain at breakneck speed.  One thing that can be said about Dekker’s writing, no matter whether it’s heavy or light, is his brilliantly executed plots that rarely, if ever, are predictable. On a regular basis when reading his books I am left reeling with the implications and details that Ted includes in his writing. The Sanctuary was no different.

These characters are people I fell in love with during the Priest’s Graveyard. I remember asking Ted when that book released if he was worried about handling a female character from a first person perspective and he seemed surprised at the question. Now, after having read both books, it’s obvious that Ted doesn’t struggle with characterization or voice no matter who may be speaking at the time. Anyone who questions that after this book obviously doesn’t know Ted. Renee’s voice was haunting, beautiful and brilliant. The speed with which we went from a harsh prison environment with agonizing moments of torture and pain to a young woman terrified of entering a bar on her own was amazing.

Now despite all of this praise, the book still did delve into some very dark places. I can’t even say he teased around the edges or played a little bit with the darkness. When Ted went there, it was as he does everything else in his life – he embraced it with full and deep passion. There were things I couldn’t read and I had to skip. There were moments I was choked up with so much emotion I didn’t think I’d be able to pull myself away from the book. And there were arguments that I’ve heard debated in churches, youth groups and college classes – but never with such finesse and style.

If you’re looking for a heart pounding read that will keep you up at night (long after you have finished) this is the book for you. If you’re a Dekker fan, you obviously won’t want to miss this. If you’re just starting with Dekker, this might not be the best place to start. Email me and I’ll send you some suggestions.

All in all, it’s classic Dekker with style and grace. And as usual it is everything and nothing we expected all wrapped up together as one.

Rated R: There’s some really heavy stuff in this book. It’s by Ted Dekker and so it deals with Christian topics and questions, but it’s hard hitting and not intended for younger readers.

Review copy received from the publisher. Thank you, Sarah!

About the Reviewer: 

Lori Twichell* has never been a supermodel although she has been asked once or twice if she’s the ‘before’ model on diet ads.  She writes for a living. And reads. And publicizes. And takes care of her three kids, two dogs and a husband. And she doesn’t exercise nearly enough. (See aforementioned modeling reference.)

She is, however, a professional plate spinner. She currently has spinning plates in television, film, radio and publishing. You can see some of these spinning plates at her company website, Beyond the Buzz Marketing.

* Please note the use of stunt doubles….they’re prettier cause our jobs are way too dangerous to ask models to do this…

Full Disclosure, by Dee Henderson
Reviewed by: Amber McCallister
Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: 10/2/2012

Full Disclosure is a romantic thriller that lives up to both of those terms in a pulse-pounding, spectacular fashion. FBI agent Paul Falcon inexplicably meets a cop named Ann Silver who not only intrigues him professionally by giving him the best lead he has come across on an old, high profile case, but deeply touches him on a much more personal level as well. Not only has Ann Silver, given Paul a jewel of a lead for this case that even the FBI Director is eager to close, but she has piqued Paul’s interest like no other woman has. She gets him thinking more and more about his life and what he truly wants it to become.

While a romance is blooming between Paul and Ann, there is plenty of action and mystery that is taking place around them. Not only is Paul chasing down this new lead which takes a fruitful turn in the investigation to the delight of his superiors, but he is also thrown a unique and dangerous proposition by one of Ann’s friends. He is pulled into another investigation that will have more of an impact on his life than he ever thought possible. While Paul can’t stop this house of cards from falling once he pulls out the first card, will he be able to make the right decisions when it comes to not only his job but also his heart?

This story delves into the world of the FBI and law enforcement. You get to see the day to day activities of what these talented and courageous people do. You see them at their best and at their worst. You come to admire them in a way that you never have before. You admire their tremendous heart and their unwavering sense of duty and loyalty to their fellow officers and those they have sworn to protect. You will never look at them the same way again after reading this book – at least I know I won’t.

Full Disclosure was an unexpected treasure and joy to read. I was so pleased to see such a positive focus on family and faith throughout this story as they are the true foundation of our lives. I was also delighted by the positive light in which law enforcement was shown. It was such a breath of fresh air to see police officers, FBI agents, etc. appreciated for their talent, their dedication, and their heart for doing their job of protecting the people they have taken an oath for.

While enjoying every aspect of this story, I was amazed to discover that overall, the theme that touched me the deepest was one of hope. Throughout the pages of this book, hope was written in every word, it was lived by every character, and it was painted in every scene. There is hope of a brighter tomorrow, a better life, and the birth of something wonderful and new if we only have the courage to grab it and hold on for the ride.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an edge of your seat thriller that also tugs at your heart and yet leaves you with an indescribable and undeniable hope that will fill your heart and lift your spirit.

Rated PG-13: I chose this rating as there are references to violence in relation to cases that the police and FBI investigated.

 Review copy provided by the publisher. Thank you!

About the Reviewer:

(Amber McCallister) I am a wife and mother who also works full time in the IT field at a University. My life is never dull, so when I get the chance to read, I do so eagerly. I am working on my library at home for when I have more time to read. Of course, I don’t know when that time will come, but I gladly take whatever time I can get. I have loved to read ever since I first learned how in early elementary school. I could never get enough. I was always wanting more books to read. I am still that way now, and my family now asks me what besides books would I like for my birthday and Christmas. There are times I don’t know what to tell them since books bring me such great joy outside of my family and friends.

I have discovered so much about myself and God and the world around me through my reading. Books open your eyes and your mind like nothing else can. You can take a safe journey and explore without any of the normal risks involved which make them a wonderful gift. I can’t imagine my like without books, so I am very grateful for the wonderful authors that I have discovered along the way. They are each unique and so very important for they each have a very important story to tell us. Without each of their stories, we don’t see the entire story that God is trying to tell us.

Temptation by Travis Thrasher
Reviewed by Lori Twichell, Radiant Lit
Genre: supernatural, mystery, thriller YA
Publisher: David C. Cook
Publication Dates: April 1, 2012

I’m going to start this review with a very clear warning. If you haven’t read either of the first books in the Solitary Tales series by Travis Thrasher (Solitary and Gravestone) just stop right here and go purchase the other books first. I hate to spoil a brilliant read for anyone and Thrasher’s series is exactly that. So if you’re not acquainted with the series, go get it now. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. And do not hesitate. When you’ve finished the first two books, come back to find the review of this one.

Okay with public service announcements of the way, let’s get to the review!

Chris Buckley has problems. His parents are divorced and his mother moved him to Solitary, a small out of the way town where nothing has gone right for him. It sounds like a typical teenage story, but the reality is more like something out of a classic horror film. His girlfriend died in a very nasty manner and the people who killed her are stalking him. And then anyone who has ever known about his difficulties has died. Or disappeared. Or disappeared and then died. It’s a pretty nasty situation.

Chris understands very little about what is going on around town. He used to want to know but now so many people have died and so much horror has happened, he’s almost beyond caring. Note I said almost. With a year of school behind him and summer school just beginning, he’s ready to try and call it a fresh start. No bully in the halls every day. No beautiful girl haunting his waking and sleeping hours.. He does his best despite the crazy pastor who seems to be everywhere and the fact that his mom is drinking more than ever.

Now I’ve got to admit that lately, my reading has taken a back seat to a lot of other things going on in my life. I’ve been behind on both reading and reviewing, but when I was asked if I’d cover this one, I jumped at the chance. Both Solitary and Gravestone kept me on the edge of my seat and I’m thrilled to say that Temptation was no different. In fact, as I was reading I would have to stop, close my eyes and absorb what I’d just read because I couldn’t imagine Travis had gone there. But he did. And I loved it. Every. Single. Second.

Tightly paced with a plot that will keep you reeling, Temptation does come with a warning. Anyone around you might be drawn into the action as you gasp, laugh out loud and maybe even shout a little. I read this while sitting in a hospital waiting room and still couldn’t stop myself from outbursts of “What? Seriously?” There were moments so stunning I wanted to call Travis on the phone and ask what he was thinking. And when I turned the last page? I wanted to call him and beg for whatever he has ready of the next release. I admit it. Temptation has turned me into an official Travis Thrasher geek.

The characters in this book are realistic and relatable. In fact I think that if anyone wants to attempt writing YA Fiction from a first person perspective, Travis Thrasher is the author to read. Buckley’s voice is brilliant. His inner monologues give you a glimpse into the thoughts of a teenage boy without slowing the pace of the plot.

If you love the multi-layered storytelling of Lost or you enjoy a deep rich story that will grab you by the throat, this series is for you. Perfect for reading groups. (this series begs discussion – trust me, you’ll want to talk about it) or if you just like to revel in a good solid mystery with a supernatural flair, you’ll love it.

Hurt , the next book, is slated for a 2012 release. Until then, I’ll be stalking, er… *cough*…following Travis via social media to anxiously await any juicy tidbits he might share. Or maybe even accidentally let slip. Yes, it’s that bad – and Temptation is just that good.

RATED PG/PG-13: Some serious storylines in this one with some really creepy stuff. It’s a hard PG-13 – recommended for 15-17 year age group.

*Review Copy provided by David C. Cook