Thursday, August 16, 2018

Thirst of Steel, The Tox Files #3 by Ronie Kendig

Book description:

The Final Conflict Will Hinge on One of History's Most Dangerous Blades

Dismantled centuries ago, the sword of Goliath is still rumored to thirst for its enemies' blood. Cole "Tox" Russell wants only to put the dangers of his past behind him and begin his new life with Haven Cortes. First, though, he's called to complete a final mission: retrieve the sword and destroy the deadly Arrow & Flame Order.

The AFO, however, is determined to reunite the sword. Threatening the life of Ram and Tzivia's father, they jeopardize Ram's long-held and dangerous secret while demanding Tzivia locate the blade. With the Wraith team slowly being torn apart, things worsen when Mercy Maddox, a new operative, emerges with the stunning news that the artifact 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 target the true enemy. No matter the cost, Wraith must destroy the AFO . . . or join them in the flames. 

My review:

  Ronie Kendig is one of those authors who just keeps getting better, and this series has got to be her best. She took a different turn in this series than in her other military fiction, and added a supernatural aspect.

 In this, the 3rd and final book in the series, the sword of Goliath is being searched for. The bad guys want it for evil purposes, and the good guys want it to stop the bad guys.

 This book had a lot going on in it. Thankfully, the author noted every time the book switched locations, as it took you all over the place, though mainly in Russia and the USA.

  I was sad to see the series end, but it did end with the best book of the series. There seemed to be even more action and suspense than the other, and there were a few surprises. I wondered for the first part of the book why the main character, Tox, was not making an appearance. Then I found out why, and I did not see that coming.

 This book focused more on Ram than the others did. Cole (Tox) was still the main character, but Ram played as much of a part as he did in the book.

 I saw a comment about the book where a reviewer said "how could you?!" to the author, so I was expecting someone to die....and I was correct in who I pegged was going to die. It was sad, but it was also an awesome scene that I had to re-read a few times after I finished the book. I am a guy, but yes....it effected me emotionally.... and I'll leave it at that. :)

 Kendig is a favorite author of mine, but I don't say this lightly: I was honestly wowed at the intricate plot she wove.... the curse, the sword, the history she used.....it truly was an amazing plot. I found myself thinking more than once "how on earth did she come up with THAT?!" She showed as usual that it is possible to write great military/special OPs books and keep it clean and curse free.....and I really admire that.

 The romance angle was played out more in this book, and it involved one of the surprises in the book...one that is revealed fairly early.

 Even with the sad emotional part I mentioned before, the book had a terrific ending, and I had that satisfied feeling one has when they read a great novel that does more than entertain....it pulls you into the story and won't let you go.

 Great job, Mrs Kendig. You are a definite asset to the Christian fiction market.

 I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the author:


Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author of over twenty novels. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband live a short train ride from New York City with their children and a retired military working dog. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters. Visit her at www.roniekendig.com.

Thirst of Steel is available from Bethany House Publishers.



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