The Shadow Protocol by Andy McDermott

(Editor's Note: I am conducting an experiment concerning secular books and Christian fiction books to see if there really is a vast difference between the quality and substance and author-skill. I am using books posted to NetGalley.com (it's by invitation, I think) to do this. I am cautious because some books I've downloaded are full of graphic junk and foul language. The books I review on this blog that are not touted as specifically Christian Fiction or Christian Non-fiction are ones that have quality, no graphic sex scenes, and very little or no foul language.)

MY REVIEW
Great book.

It is touted as similar to Robert Ludlem's Jason Bourne series. Actually, it is not written that well, although it is close. The random use of foul language does not add to the story but creates some kind of shock value that is not necessary. The action is so tightly packed, there is no need for foul language, and frankly I seriously doubt it would be missed since it is so random and only interjected in places where the other dialogue is more important to the story flow. It does not illustrate some character's personality. It is just an exclamation point or two sprinkled through out. (I skipped over them, but I do not think there is any taking of God's name in vain. I notice those and won't continue reading the book.)

Description of the action is very good. There is little to no confusion as to what is happening. That is a very difficult thing to do. I applaud Andy McDermott for a riveting story with fairly believable characters. I like the reference to the Carpenter in the beginning. I think both women in the plot could be fleshed out more. Although, with so many characters, it is difficult to make all of them vibrant because it detracts from the storyline.

All around, though, I will recommend this book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Move over Jason Bourne. Here from Andy McDermott, the New York Times bestselling author who “raises the bar to please adventure junkies who prefer to mainline their action” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), is the high-octane start to a new series starring American agent Adam Gray. Filled with intrigue, adventure, and non-stop action, The Shadow Protocol is perfect for fans of Robert Ludlum and James Rollins.

NO ONE CAN KNOW HIM. NO ONE SHOULD TRUST HIM.
AND AMERICA WON’T SURVIVE WITHOUT HIM.

Adam Gray is a cipher, a disciplined loner conditioned not to betray abe America’s worst enemy—before he’s back to being Adam Gray again.

Now Gray and his team are racing to stop a plot to release a radioactive isotope that could kill millions. And in a nerve-racking clandestine meeting, Gray senses that his cover is cracked and that the mission—not to mention his life—may be in grave danger. But as they fight this violent conspiracy around the globe, another threat has emerged. This one has the perfect cover, the most unlikely double agent, and the most terrifying power of all. For a beautiful young scientist has discovered an unforeseen weakness in PERSONA: Adam Gray’s own past.
single emotion. Part of an elite team spearheaded by a brilliant neuroscientist, Gray is a covert agent armed with PERSONA, a device that allows him to copy the brain patterns of the terrorists and operatives he meets in the field. For twenty-four hours he can recall their memories. He can know every detail of their plans. He can

Beloved by Robin Hatcher

MY REVIEW
This is not one of Robin Hatcher's best offerings. It is the tail end of a series. The premise (read below) is excellent. I thought with Hatcher writing, this will be a great few hours spent reading. I have no idea why some authors feel the need to keep repeating some characters' thoughts/feelings about their situations over and over. I kept thinking "Let's move on! Quit wallowing and do something." Frankly, I got bored by the 10th chapter and quit reading the book. I've got other books to read and I do not have time to waste with a mediocre novel no matter who wrote it.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Best-selling author Robin Lee Hatcher returns to the adventurous

American West in the final book of her Where the Heart Lives series. This story is filled with Robin’s trademark heartwarming and emotionally charged message of faith, courage, and love.

When Diana Brennan’s husband returns eight years after abandoning her, can she find it in her heart to forgive him?

Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word of him for eight years, Diana’s infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.

But when her husband returns, supposedly a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom. He agrees with one condition––she must give him a chance to change her mind about him.

A Man Called Blessed by Ted Dekker and Bill Bright

My Review -
I was a bit confused at the beginning of this book because it sounded

so familiar, like something I had read before. However, it quickly became evident that it was not, although it has a copyright for 2002. That may be why I thought I'd read this before.

The door to what might happen if the lost ark were every found is unlocked with this sequel to Blessed Child. There is a plethora of novels centered around the happenings in the Middle East. As God said would happen, the bitter conflict between Ismael and Isaac affects the entire world.

In this novel the conflict is not only between Ismael the Muslim assassin and the Jewish archeologist Rebecca, but also between long held Jewish tradition and Christian faith. Rebecca has to decide in her heart to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Caleb helps her to "jump off the cliff" and believe through several miracles that only God could make happen.

I found it intriguing to imagine what might be, and to see unfold the mighty outstretched arm of God orchestrate love in those who are open to His redemption, and to allow hate to run its course to destruction.

Well written, exciting to the end, fast-paced to the point of lack of sleep. Don't start this book late at night or you'll read until it be morning.

I give it 5 of 5 stars.

About the book -
One man holds the key to finding the Ark of the Covenant.

In this explosive sequel to Blessed Child, Rebecca Soloman leads a team deep into the Ethiopian desert to hunt the one man who may know the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. But Islamic extremists fear that the Ark's discovery will compel Israel to rebuild Solomon's temple on the very site of their own holy mosque in Jerusalem.

They immediately dispatch Ismael, their most accomplished assassin, to pursue the same man. But the one in their sights is no ordinary man. His name is Caleb, and he is also on a quest—to find again the love he embraced as a child.