The Judgment Stone by Robert Liparulo (The Immortal Files Series)

Hang on tight! The 13th Tribe was the first book in this series. With out missing a "beat" The Judgment Stone picks and up takes off! Here we are at the safe monastery, when all of the sudden it is invaded!

Turns out there is The Clan, and like The Tribe, they are also immortal. Marked differences in the two groups exist. The Clan is totally evil in motive and action. They torture and kill people to try to grieve God, to hurt him and get back at Him for their Immortality. They are surrounded by demons, and they love them! They are virtually "pets" to them. Oh, and how would we know that as a fact? The Judgement Stone of course! Part of the first set of The Ten Commandments that Moses destroyed when he came down the mountain and found God's people worshiping a stupid calf made from gold. One of the monks found the Judgement Stone, and before Jagger or anyone else even knew it existed.

The Clan came in killing everyone they could at the monastery and took off with the stone. However, they didn't get it before a piece came off of it, and they didn't get it out of there before Jagger and a few others had touched it and seen into the Spirit Realm. Now both sides know what the stone can do and The Clan has figured out how to use it to do even more damage to God's people. Every time folks start really praying, using this piece of rock, The Clan can see those powerful prayers going up. This is how they decide to target those who love God the most, bringing their hordes of demons and death squad with them, The Clan is actually hell-bent on wiping out believers starting with the strongest Christians first!

Jagger and Owen (John - yes from the Bible John), and some "mere mortals" are all going to have to pull together and quickly at that before the world becomes much more Godless quickly. Angels and Demons are fighting and warring while the Immortals are clashing and the "Saints" are praying - all waiting for the outcome that the Judgement Stone will ultimately cause.

This is a very powerful second book in this series, and I am so happy to have been able to read it!
Carol :)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Judgment Stone

Thomas Nelson (May 14, 2013)

by

Robert Liparulo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Former journalist Robert Liparulo is the best-selling author of the thrillers Comes a Horseman, Germ, Deadfall, Deadlock, and The 13th Tribe, as well as The Dreamhouse Kings, an action-adventure series for young adults. He contributed a short story to James Patterson’s Thriller, and an essay about Thomas Perry’s The Butcher’s Boy to Thrillers: 100 Must Reads, edited by David Morrell and Hank Wagner. He is currently working on the sequel to The 13th Tribe, as well writing an original screenplay with director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive).

When not writing, Liparulo loves to read, watch (and analyze) movies, scuba dive, swim, hike, and travel. He lives in Monument, Colorado, with his wife Jodi and four children: Melanie, Matthew, Anthony, and Isabella.


 ABOUT THE BOOK


What if praying became a curse instead of a blessing?

Former Army Ranger Jagger Baird thought he had his hands full with the Tribe—the band of immortal vigilantes fighting to regain God’s grace by killing those opposed to Him. But that was before he encountered the ruthless group of immortals called the Clan. The Clan is after a prize that would give them unimaginable power—a piece of the Ten Commandments known as the Judgment Stone.

Those who touch the Stone can see into the spiritual world: angelic warriors, treacherous demons, and the blue threads of light that signal the presence of believers in communion with God.

By following the blue beam radiating from those closest to God, the Clan plans to locate His most passionate followers and destroy them.

Jagger quickly realizes his high-tech gadgetry and training are no match for these merciless immortals. But how can he defeat an enemy who hunts believers through their prayers . . . and won’t stop until they’ve annihilated all those close to Him?

In this high-action thriller, best-selling author Robert Liparulo examines the raging battle between good and evil on earth . . . and beyond.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Judgment Stone, go HERE.

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595541721 

Merlin's Blade by Robert Treskillard (Book 1 - The Merlin Spiral)

Greetings Dear Readers,

Here is a wonderful treat to read! Merlin's Blade!

Robert Treskillard has done some studying, and done it well. Now he has brought us a book that goes back in depth to an age long gone, and yet, an age that still has bearing on us today. This book opens with events that are a bit confusing, but hang on because it is going to become more clear as you keep reading. We are back in Merlin's childhood, his roots - and in this book they are Christian roots. Jesu's monks are among the small town that Merlin lives in. He is growing up poor, and mostly blind - his face and some of his heart scared from a wolf attack. Lonely son of a blacksmith, Merlin's never considered himself brave or special in anyway. He figures he is blessed to be alive yes, but not much past that. This Merlin believes in honor, and loves his family deeply, and he follows Jesu as best he knows how.

The Druids had been taking a "sabbatical" for a while, less dominate in the area. When they suddenly return, they bring a glowing blue stone with them. They also bring fear, lies and false gods. Merlin's own step-mother had longed to cling to the "old ways" of the Druids. Now it looks like the Druids are going to take Merlin's entire family into their grips using the Stone that people are literally dying to worship.

To top off the issues that just keep popping up, Merlin has been delivered a very flowing, but rather cryptic prophecy and he keeps having visions that he hasn't told anyone about. Merlin happens to see angels as well. And as far as that horrible Stone, a meteor that seems to have magical properties, well Merlin is not harmed by it, nor is he unable to resist the power it wields.

And don't be worried, there are SEVERAL other characters in this book. Merlin's friend who he takes a flogging for to save him from too much punishment in Merlin's eyes, Monks at the tiny Monastery, the girl Merlin likes who's father is abusive and holds a political office - just to name a few. This book has a map for locations, and a very good character index too! Readers will not feel like the history or the story has been "ruined" only deeply enhanced and some Christian perspective added.

THE NEXT book in this series : Merlin's Shadow will be out this Fall! I'm looking forward to that!

Carol :)

Merlin's Greatest Weakness Could Become His Greatest Strength 

When a meteorite crashes near a small village in fifth-century Britain, it brings with it a mysterious black stone that bewitches anyone who comes in contact with its glow---a power the druids hope to use to destroy King Uthur's kingdom, as well as the new Christian faith. The only person who seems immune is a young, shy, half-blind swordsmith's son named Merlin. 

As his family, village, and even the young Arthur, are placed in danger, Merlin must face his fears and his blindness to take hold of the role God ordained for him. But when he is surrounded by adversaries, armed only by a sword he helped forge, how will he save the girl he cherishes and rid Britain of this deadly evil ... without losing his life? 

About the Author

Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast who holds a B.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies from Bethel University, Minnesota. He has been crafting stories from his early youth, is a software developer, graphic artist, and sometime bladesmith. He and his wife have three children and are still homeschooling their youngest. They live in the country near St. Louis, Missouri.

It all began when Robert's son wanted to learn blacksmithing and sword-making. The two set out to learn the crafts and in the process were told by a relative that they were descended from a Cornish blacksmith. This lit the fire of Robert's imagination, and so welding his Celtic research to his love of the legends of King Arthur, a book was forged--Merlin's Blade, book one of The Merlin Spiral, coming April 2013 from Zondervan.

Merlin’s Blade -  http://www.amazon.com/Merlins-Merlin-Spiral-Robert-Treskillard/dp/0310735076/ 
Author blog - http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog.php
Author’s website - http://www.kingarthur.org.uk/

Participants’ links  -
Noah Arsenault
Beckie Burnham
Keanan Brand
Jeff Chapman
Laure Covert
Pauline Creeden
Emma or Audrey Engel
April Erwin
Victor Gentile
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nathan Reimer
Chawna Schroeder
Kathleen Smith
Jojo Sutis
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler Shane Werlinger
Nicole White

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. 

When A Secret Kills by Lynette Eason (Deadly Reunions Series - Book Three)

First there was When The Smoke Clears.
Then came When A Heart Stops.
This is the third book in this series - When A Secret Kills.

Jillian Carter saw something 10 years ago, and it changed her life. It put her on the run, and has kept her from moving forward or feeling safe for a very long time. Now is the time for that to change. Jillian has come home to deal with what she saw, to get the truth out there before people she loves get killed. What kind of secrete is this? The kind where Jillian saw a murder, a murder a Senator committed. The same man who is the Uncle to the man she loves, and her life is now in that nephew's hands. Coltan has plenty of reason to be drawn to Jillian, and a few reasons to not trust her too. This group has to decide who they love, who to trust, and do it fast because important things like friend's houses are being blown up just to silence Jillian.

Another good book in this series!
Carol :)

About The Book:
Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it's time to put the past to rest. She's tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She's no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do--ferret out the truth and expose it. Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago--and Jillian watched it happen.

Didn't she?

Not even the enigmatic and attractive Colton Brady, her ex-boyfriend and nephew of the killer, will be able to make her leave this alone. Get ready for the spine-tingling, nail-biting conclusion to an explosive series.

About Lynette:

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. Even as a young girl, she knew she wanted her life to reflect the love of Jesus Christ. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Business Degree she used for a very short time (sorry Mom and Dad), she moved to Spartanburg, SC to attend Converse College where she obtained her Masters degree in Education. During this time, she met the man she would marry—the boy next door! She is married to Jack Eason, who speaks, leads worship, and consults ministries around the country. They have been married for 15 1/2 years and have two children.

Her web site is here: 

http://www.infinitesuspensefromlynetteeason.blogspot.com/

The Book Link is here:

http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Kills-Deadly-Reunions-ebook/dp/B00B85M0HM/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Wounds by Alton Gansky

Wounds is a very good, gripping read! The Mayan Apocalypse is the only other book I have read, and it was co-authored by Alton Gansky. This book FAR surpasses that one in about every way I can think of!

Detective Carmen Rainmondi was going to be a doctor when her life changed totally. Tragedy and emotions that she still hasn't sorted out altered her life when her beautiful sister was brutally murdered, and she became a Detective. Not just any detective, she is a homicide/murder detective with a bit of forensic insight in some ways as well. Her sister's death is personal, and deep and she hasn't totally recovered from it, and that has made all the murders she deals with rather personal to her.

Unknown to her, as she deals with two new murders that are brutal with really odd wounds on the victims, she is tied to someone else. This someone else is a timid, scared man, who happens to be Dr. Ellis Poe. Dr. Poe has not told about what he lived through, what he saw the night that Carmen's sister was murdered. Dr. Poe has spent his life burying himself in the Word, hiding in his boat when he can, and teaching Christian religion classes at the Seminary. His world is shaken when Carmen shows up in his office investigating a very painful and cruel murder. The victim happens to have been one of his students. This is followed up so fast by a second victim, one who has been beaten almost beyond recognition  A Jewish man, who held a position in the church, has been dumped on the law of the Rabbi under whom he served.

Yes, it is "Easter" week, Passover, Resurrection Sunday is coming, and leading up to this...each week another person dies. The crimes are connected, but the killer is smart. There are no easy clues like there are in most cases you read or might see on TV. The victims are being killed with an intent and purpose that you might not see coming. This is the time that is going to heal Carmen, and Ellis and the other people involved, or it will take them all down with them.

This was a super good book, the kind you don't want to put down when you have to. The ending and the details are well written and leaves a message worth reading. This book was written well enough to make me hope I get to read another one by this author later on.

Carol :)

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Wounds B&H Books (May 1, 2013) by Alton Gansky

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alton L. Gansky is the author of 24 novels and 8 nonfiction works, as well as principle writer of 9 novels and 2 nonfiction books. He has been a Christie Award finalist (A Ship Possessed) and an Angel Award winner (Terminal Justice) and recently was award the ACFW award for best suspense/thriller for his work on Fallen Angel. He holds a BA and MA in biblical studies and Lit.D. He lives in central California with his wife. In addition to his own writing, Alton Gansky has consulted and provided editing/ writing services to several CBA publishers and written copy, video scripts, and other works for the general business market. Through Gansky. Communications he has consulted with publishers and agents, as well as provided editing services. He is “the go to guy” for co-writing having been selected by Penguin, Waterbrook, Broadman Holman, and other publishers to work with their top tier authors. Gansky is in frequent demand at writer’s conferences having taught and keynoted in California, Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, Delaware, Washington, and Canada. He has also been guest lecturer on suspense writing at Taylor University in Indiana.


 ABOUT THE BOOK

A man’s lifeless body is found in the fresh soil of San Diego’s botanical garden. Cause of death is asphyxiation, an easy call for the medical examiner. More mysterious, however, are the tiny drops of blood on the victim’s skin, resulting from hundreds of punctures. A rabbi leaving his house for work expects a regular day at the synagogue. That quickly changes when he discovers a dead man on his front lawn, clearly beaten to death. Motorcycle riders racing along the empty streets of an abandoned military base stumble across another man’s corpse, its skin revealing long, red-purple marks of a thrashing given with wood dowels. The numbers mount. Each week another victim and another mysterious clue in a game of mass murder the police don’t want to lose. The solution rests with Dr. Ellis Poe, a religious professor who only wishes to be left alone with his books and classes. But evil must be faced, and the choice is no longer his own.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Wounds, go HERE.

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1433677180

Past Darkness by Laurel Woiwode

Past Darkness is the story of much of the life a girl named Gabrielle. She grew up with her parents, both musicians, and she herself could sing. And then.... tragedy changed her life. Her parents have been killed, something that I could feel coming with some dread for a few chapters prior. 

With her closest family gone, Gabe winds up in North Dakota. It is quite a shock to her being a Chicago city girl and she is doing her best to avoid all her feelings, God and everyone around her as much as possible. Her precious Aunt and Uncle take her to raise as their own child, and one of the first things she does is close music out of her life completely.  It causes too much pain, and she is so angry with God. The other thing she does is fall in love with horses. :) (I do love the horses!) 

Gabe is alone, a social out-cast, mostly by choice, and mostly from her not dealing with her issues. She decides to be a veterinarian like her Aunt Bea, but even in that keeps her distance from her family as much as she can. That all changes one day during her college years. She has an encounter with music, and with God that breaks down those walls, at least for a little while. Now Gabe must choose what to do. To heal and move forward, to get some closure on the past, or to push it all back inside and go back to what she was. 

This was a nice short read, I loved the landscapes, the ranches, and the horses. I liked the power that music has in God's hands being show. I feel that the ending was good, and sweet, but it felt very abrupt to me. Rather like I had just been put down and walked off on with out the rest of the closure that I needed from reading the story. Maybe that is because the rest of the story hasn't yet been told, but I would have skipped this book had I know the ending was that abrupt. Something else that bothered me about this book is that Gabe had no counselling. Her Aunt and Uncle only knew to pray and let her be, so she suffered for years because she didn't have a pastor, friends, or councilors, even a secular one to help her deal with severe trauma and grief. 

Carol 

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Past Darkness Crossway (April 30, 2013) by Laurel Woiwode

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laurel Woiwode graduated with honors from Jamestown College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in both English and History. She works with ESL students, writes movie reviews at reelquickie.areavoices.com, works on writing and editing projects, and is always ready for outdoor adventures. Laurel grew up in rural North Dakota, has had an avid interest in animals, nature, and literature since childhood, and she is the author of Past Darkness.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Gabrielle Larson is an average, 15 year old girl living in Chicago when tragedy strikes. In the aftermath, she is forced to relocate to rural North Dakota and henceforth spends the next chapter of her life learning to cope with trials involving everything from family to faith. Laurel Woiwode, daughter of critically acclaimed novelist Larry Woiwode, offers here a moving story that will be appreciated by female and male readers alike. Past Darkness is not preachy or heavy-handed, but rather a touching story about the importance of family, the power of music, and the ever-present mercy of God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Past Darkness, go HERE,

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1433535181