Mourning Reign

by Edward Hancock II

An armed—and armored—terrorist breaks into the Longview Police department, shooting anything in his path before detonating the explosives hiding beneath his body armor. As retired police detective Alex Mendez waits for news of his injured cop wife's condition, the whole of East Texas begins to dig out from the carnage visited upon it. While Alex sits with Lisa, the television screams with reports of similar attacks in small towns all across the country. They've struck again. And just as it had on September 11th, 2001, the game has dramatically changed.

As the local law enforcement adapts to being overwhelmed for such carnage, Alex is forced to wrestle with demons both personal and professional.

When terrorists connected to the cell group responsible for the Texas attacks kidnap a severely injured Lisa Mendez, the stakes are raised for Alex yet again as he weighs the hazards and benefits of coming out of retirement or sitting on the sidelines, leaving his family's fate in the hands of strangers. Terrorists have invaded his country. They've destroyed his town. Now they've raided his home. They've drawn the line in the sand. Badge or no badge, Alex Mendez is just the man to take the fight right back to them.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Ebooks, Mystery, Christian

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2010

About the author

Once upon a time, there were three beautiful girls from three very different backgrounds working in three very difficult jobs. But I took them away from all that. My name is Edward!

Reviews

[Lynn Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sudden bombings across the USA...the cruelty of narrow-minded terrorists...the agony they cause...so believable in todays violent, unsettled world.
I am very impressed with the strong love for family, that our Christian hero has. His family is kidnapped, and tortured by terrorists, turmoil increases as a rescue develops.
So proud Mr. Hancock II, didn't compromise the integrity of our hero, Alex Mendez, or the characters of his family and friends.
Well written, the story unfolds and flows...excitement and intrigue mount...definitely a page turner!
Packed full with action, suspense, and emotion; I highly recommend this book!
Excellent work! A must to read!

[Sheila Siler · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the storyline was decent, I disagree completely with the other reviewers about how well written this book is. This is a prime example of "telling not showing". Every person, every scene, every thought is described. The reader is left with nothing to imagine. The characters are inconsistent. Portrayed as a Christian thriller, that only seemed to mean the occasional prayer was thrown heavenward. At no time did his faith sustain him or guide him through. I would not recommend this book at all, except to use as an example of poor editing.

[Johanna Jurado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, can't wait for the next one to come out.

[Therese]

$0.0

[Author Paul E. Petty · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting twist on 9/11 mixed with numerous hostage situations that shows you just how far someone will go for their family!



This book is different than I'm used to, as I don't normally read outside the YA genre.

Now, it pulled me in from the beginning--from the whole police department being under attack to the bomber at Walmart.

The characters were well built, despite that I'm not exactly happy that Jenny died early in the story. I was really looking forward to a twist in which Jenny always wanted to date Eric but he always turned her down to maybe him having his legs blown off (which is what I thought happened at first) and Jenny being like: "So when you need me...that's when you finally accept me??"
But everyone has their way of doing things. :P

Needless to say, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next 4 already published books. I could definitely see this being the next big crime fighting tv show.

If you like mystery-thrillers--then THIS is the book for you!

[Bettina Bull · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

Had trouble reading this through my tears in lots of places. Formating needs some improvement but still readable. Get lots of tissues ready.

[Taylor Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mourning Reign was such a great book. I often look for Christian thrillers and books based on Christian values. This book captivated my interest as the main character was full of energy, loyalty and would do anything for his wife. Alex Mendez comes out of retirement after his wife is kidnaped by a terrorist group. The terrorist group has been attacking small towns around the country and Alex feels as though he can not just sit by to let everything be destroyed. Alex is a bold and strong character. He's a protector and would be willing to do anything to save lives, along with his wife. The passion that he had for her was truly remarkable and one of the reasons why I kept reading the book. The writing style is very adventurous and keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is a great book that I would recommend to anyone, especially if you like thrillers!

[Frank Scozzari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic writing with a gripping new take in the genre of terrorism, Mourning Reign is a novel that will keep Homeland Security up at night. The book is a fast page-turner; one I could not put down. It not only explores terrorism in a new light—events which could really happen, but it is also examines faith and values, and how an ordinary guy deals with it all. I particularly appreciated the passion displayed by the protagonist, Alex Mendez.

Edward Hancock II displays an incredible new voice—certainly a unique style of story-telling. If you like action thrillers with faith and principles intertwined, you'll love Mourning Reign. I’m looking forward to reading Book 2!

[P Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mourning Reign was definitely a thrill ride of a book from the opening scene to the last chapter. It's action packed and the author barely gives you a chance to catch your breath. Alex Mendez is a complicated character that you're rooting for from the beginning of the book. The stakes are really high with family and county on the line. He is a great match for the terrorists and a man you care about, who loves his family.

I would recommend this book to readers that love a well-written, clean thriller. It's tightly plotted and it was a pleasure to read this novel.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't your cookie cutter mystery novel. I applaud the author for the way he portrays Alex Mendez and the path he follows to save his family and the journey his life ultimately takes. I look forward to Mr. Hancock's next novel to experience his growth as a writer. I enjoy the style, the edginess and want to see more.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Armed terrorists enter Longview, TX police department and start shooting before detonating explosives. While Alex Mendez waits to learn of his cop wife's condition he hears reports of similar attacks in other small towns.
When terrorists kidnap his severely injured wife Alex decides to come out of retirement to track down the terrorists and save his wife & family.

[Jeff Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terrorists attack & bomb small towns in East Texas.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! Very well written. I would definately recommend it to my friends!

[Laura Eckroat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this action thriller! Left me wanting more... In a good way.. I'd like to read more about Alex and his family.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like every day we come closer to the storyline of this book coming true. Meet a family facing terrorism up close and personal. Prepare to defend yourself.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mourning reign

Edward Hancock II is a new author for me. He kept me going and I think that this will be a great series