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Rock Star Chronicles #2
Full Tilt
What Good Can Become of Psychotics, Meth Users, or the Mob?
In this sequel to Dark Star, rock star Everett Lester is eager to share the redeeming power of Christ’s love with the world through his music. But reaching his family in their twisted lives is another issue altogether. His gambling-addicted brother, Eddie, and the rest of his deteriorating family greet Everett’s attempts with disdain and hatred. When the Mob gets involved, dangerous threats become a haunting reality. And when Eddie’s son, Wesley—who blames Everett for his brother’s death—hooks up with psychotic Tony Badino, the two meth-using antichrists will stop at nothing to bring Everett down and secure his demise!
I ONCE SOWED DESTRUCTION.
Now those I love are reaping pain.
The media hype is fading, and my life is no longer that of a glamorous celebrity. I’m Everett Lester, former lead singer of DeathStroke, acquitted of first-degree murder, now married, a Christian, and ready to take my story to the masses through music. Problem is, the turmoil of my past didn’t end when the reporters left.
My wife, Karen, and I have received news that has rocked our world. My brother Eddie’s gambling is so far out of control that the mob practically owns him. And Eddie’s son, Wesley—who blames me for his brother’s death—is mixed up with meth, a psychotic named Tony Badino, and a satanic voice that’s urging him to take me out.
Will my Living Water tour ever hit the road? Will former fans stop hissing long enough to hear about the transforming power of Christ’s love? Satan once used me for evil—only through God’s power can I be used for good. The question is: w ill my loved ones and I be able to survive the aftermath of a rock star’s life?
Everett Lester faces enemies both human and supernatural. Satan won’t give up his hold on Everett , his family, or his fans without a vicious fight. God’s victory is certain in the supernatural realm, but will Everett survive the earthly battle that’s threatening to obliterate him?
Story Behind the Book
“My hope is to provide fiction lovers with a page-turner read that offers an escape from everyday life. With a heart-pounding pace and a contemporary story line, Full Tilt paints readers a modern-day picture of Christ’s unfathomable love, forgiveness, and sacrifice—amid a backdrop of methamphetamines and mobsters. It also sheds light on the reality of spiritual warfare in the day-to-day lives of every person. I pray this novel will encourage unsaved readers to be reconciled to God and also encourage Christian readers to plead with their unsaved friends to be reconciled to God—not out of legalism, but out of love and compassion.”
—Creston Mapes
In this sequel to Dark Star, rock star Everett Lester is eager to share the redeeming power of Christ’s love with the world through his music. But reaching his family in their twisted lives is another issue altogether. His gambling-addicted brother, Eddie, and the rest of his deteriorating family greet Everett’s attempts with disdain and hatred. When the Mob gets involved, dangerous threats become a haunting reality. And when Eddie’s son, Wesley—who blames Everett for his brother’s death—hooks up with psychotic Tony Badino, the two meth-using antichrists will stop at nothing to bring Everett down and secure his demise!
I ONCE SOWED DESTRUCTION.
Now those I love are reaping pain.
The media hype is fading, and my life is no longer that of a glamorous celebrity. I’m Everett Lester, former lead singer of DeathStroke, acquitted of first-degree murder, now married, a Christian, and ready to take my story to the masses through music. Problem is, the turmoil of my past didn’t end when the reporters left.
My wife, Karen, and I have received news that has rocked our world. My brother Eddie’s gambling is so far out of control that the mob practically owns him. And Eddie’s son, Wesley—who blames me for his brother’s death—is mixed up with meth, a psychotic named Tony Badino, and a satanic voice that’s urging him to take me out.
Will my Living Water tour ever hit the road? Will former fans stop hissing long enough to hear about the transforming power of Christ’s love? Satan once used me for evil—only through God’s power can I be used for good. The question is: w ill my loved ones and I be able to survive the aftermath of a rock star’s life?
Everett Lester faces enemies both human and supernatural. Satan won’t give up his hold on Everett , his family, or his fans without a vicious fight. God’s victory is certain in the supernatural realm, but will Everett survive the earthly battle that’s threatening to obliterate him?
Story Behind the Book
“My hope is to provide fiction lovers with a page-turner read that offers an escape from everyday life. With a heart-pounding pace and a contemporary story line, Full Tilt paints readers a modern-day picture of Christ’s unfathomable love, forgiveness, and sacrifice—amid a backdrop of methamphetamines and mobsters. It also sheds light on the reality of spiritual warfare in the day-to-day lives of every person. I pray this novel will encourage unsaved readers to be reconciled to God and also encourage Christian readers to plead with their unsaved friends to be reconciled to God—not out of legalism, but out of love and compassion.”
—Creston Mapes
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
172 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Creston Mapes
38 books502 followersCreston Mapes grew up in northeast Ohio, where he has fond memories of living with his family of five in the upstairs portion of his dad’s early American furniture store - The Weathervane Shop. Creston was not a good student, but the one natural talent he possessed was writing.
He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.
Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He’s ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.
Creston has penned many contemporary thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture.
Creston married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and they have four amazing adult children. Creston loves his part-time job as an usher at local venues where he gets to see all the latest-greatest concerts and sporting events. He enjoys reading, fishing, thrifting, bocci, painting, bowling, pickleball, time with his family, and dates with his wife.
Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston: crestonmapes.com/contact
For Creston’s eBooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes
STAND ALONE THRILLERS
Celebrity Pastor
I Am In Here
Nobody
SIGNS OF LIFE SERIES
Signs of Life
Let My Daughter Go
I Pick You
Charm Artist
Son & Shield
Secrets in Shadows
Who Is My Neighbor?
THE CRITTENDON FILES
Fear Has a Name
Poison Town
Sky Zone
ROCK STAR CHRONICLES
Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol
Full Tilt
He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.
Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He’s ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.
Creston has penned many contemporary thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture.
Creston married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and they have four amazing adult children. Creston loves his part-time job as an usher at local venues where he gets to see all the latest-greatest concerts and sporting events. He enjoys reading, fishing, thrifting, bocci, painting, bowling, pickleball, time with his family, and dates with his wife.
Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston: crestonmapes.com/contact
For Creston’s eBooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes
STAND ALONE THRILLERS
Celebrity Pastor
I Am In Here
Nobody
SIGNS OF LIFE SERIES
Signs of Life
Let My Daughter Go
I Pick You
Charm Artist
Son & Shield
Secrets in Shadows
Who Is My Neighbor?
THE CRITTENDON FILES
Fear Has a Name
Poison Town
Sky Zone
ROCK STAR CHRONICLES
Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol
Full Tilt
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 5, 2022
When a hard rock performer finds salvation, he faces backlash from fans, scorn from some family members, and hard decisions that test his new-found faith. A darkness pursues him that seeks to end his new Christian music tour and his life.
Great characters, surprising twists, and solid storytelling make Creston Mapes’ Full Tilt a fast, satisfying read. #suspense #inspirational #AmReading
Great characters, surprising twists, and solid storytelling make Creston Mapes’ Full Tilt a fast, satisfying read. #suspense #inspirational #AmReading
June 1, 2014
Creston Mapes' novels continue to entertain readers in the Christian Fiction genre. His story lines are centered on real human characters with human faults and emotions.
At times the characters are a little pushy in getting other people to choose Christ as their Savior. It perhaps is indicative of the urgency of Christians to want people to spend eternity with Christ, rather than suffer without Him.
Those who have addictions to various dangerous habits have greater struggles physically than the people who are clean and healthy. And the author reminds us that Christians still struggle against the forces of evil in their lives, past and present.
Creston Mapes writes with empathy for his characters and believes in a God of love and forgiveness for all. But the author shows us that all fall short of the glory of God, but that there is hope in accepting Jesus as our Savior.
Fans of Creston Mapes will treasure this series and will rejoice with those who finally "get it" regarding giving one's life over to God.
At times the characters are a little pushy in getting other people to choose Christ as their Savior. It perhaps is indicative of the urgency of Christians to want people to spend eternity with Christ, rather than suffer without Him.
Those who have addictions to various dangerous habits have greater struggles physically than the people who are clean and healthy. And the author reminds us that Christians still struggle against the forces of evil in their lives, past and present.
Creston Mapes writes with empathy for his characters and believes in a God of love and forgiveness for all. But the author shows us that all fall short of the glory of God, but that there is hope in accepting Jesus as our Savior.
Fans of Creston Mapes will treasure this series and will rejoice with those who finally "get it" regarding giving one's life over to God.
May 17, 2013
The second in Mapes' popular Rock Star Chronicles series, "Full Tilt" is the riveting 2006 sequel to his 2005 debut, "Dark Star." In short, the series tells the fictional story of Everett Lester, the once out-of-control frontman for the platinum-selling heavy metal band, DeathStroke. A man battling many demons — the usual rock and roll suspects — sex, drugs, booze, greed, ego and the like, Lester ultimately experiences his own "Damascus Road" awakening and realizes his true life purpose. But even after discovering and accepting the love, grace and forgiveness of Christ, his troubles are far from over. Darn those Badinos!
Simply put, "Full Tilt" pushed all of my buttons. At the risk of abusing a perfectly good cliche', it literally had me on the edge of my seat as I burned through each chapter like a hot knife through butter (cliche' #2). In fact, Mapes' vivid accounts of mobsters, murder and meth often gave me chills.
Mapes is an amazing storyteller, captivating me with non-stop suspense while remaining focused on a broader faith-based message. From my own first-hand past experiences in the rock and roll world to my current path pursuing Christian ministry, I've personally lived out much of "Full Tilt." Hence, I can endorse the story as being completely authentic and believable. Mapes paints his characters with Picasso-like precision — so real and endearing that I felt personally connected to them all — even those darn Badinos! So much, that I actually felt as if I was an unmentioned extra placed in the middle of every scenario.
But despite the gripping intrigue, Mapes presents greater messages — one of Christ's radical love, and a challenge to us all to love the unlovable. Solid stuff to be sure.
Although I'm somewhat accustomed to getting things bassackwards in life, I thought initially that I might miss something by diving into this two-part series in reverse. However, "Full Tilt" stands up just fine on its own — loud and proud. And I was left with no unanswered questions — that is until the very end, when I found myself salivating for Part Three.
-Christopher Long
(April 2013)
Simply put, "Full Tilt" pushed all of my buttons. At the risk of abusing a perfectly good cliche', it literally had me on the edge of my seat as I burned through each chapter like a hot knife through butter (cliche' #2). In fact, Mapes' vivid accounts of mobsters, murder and meth often gave me chills.
Mapes is an amazing storyteller, captivating me with non-stop suspense while remaining focused on a broader faith-based message. From my own first-hand past experiences in the rock and roll world to my current path pursuing Christian ministry, I've personally lived out much of "Full Tilt." Hence, I can endorse the story as being completely authentic and believable. Mapes paints his characters with Picasso-like precision — so real and endearing that I felt personally connected to them all — even those darn Badinos! So much, that I actually felt as if I was an unmentioned extra placed in the middle of every scenario.
But despite the gripping intrigue, Mapes presents greater messages — one of Christ's radical love, and a challenge to us all to love the unlovable. Solid stuff to be sure.
Although I'm somewhat accustomed to getting things bassackwards in life, I thought initially that I might miss something by diving into this two-part series in reverse. However, "Full Tilt" stands up just fine on its own — loud and proud. And I was left with no unanswered questions — that is until the very end, when I found myself salivating for Part Three.
-Christopher Long
(April 2013)
September 18, 2015
Full Tilt is the second book in this series, I didn't know that when I started it, but the author tastefully added in the back story so that even early on I felt like I knew what had happened before. Now I'm going to go back and read book one Darkstar.
When a secular rock star gives his life to God he is changed forever. He can no longer stay in his band Deathstroke. He uses his musical talents to start and new band and faces a lot of hate from former fans. When his brother's bookies threaten to collect the debt he uses his money to bail his brother out. The bookies take the money but are offended by his comments and feel disrespected. Mobsters hate that, now its personal.
Through a series of events that keep me on the edge of my seat his life is in jeopardy. Despite the constant threat his Christian Rock tour is making a huge impact and bringing people to Christ. When his frantic nephew calls him and needs help he drops everything to help, but he doesn't know he's walking into a trap.
I really enjoyed Full Tilt and I can't wait to see what happened in the first book that I skipped by mistake. This book is well written, exciting, and engaged me from the start.
5 Stars
When a secular rock star gives his life to God he is changed forever. He can no longer stay in his band Deathstroke. He uses his musical talents to start and new band and faces a lot of hate from former fans. When his brother's bookies threaten to collect the debt he uses his money to bail his brother out. The bookies take the money but are offended by his comments and feel disrespected. Mobsters hate that, now its personal.
Through a series of events that keep me on the edge of my seat his life is in jeopardy. Despite the constant threat his Christian Rock tour is making a huge impact and bringing people to Christ. When his frantic nephew calls him and needs help he drops everything to help, but he doesn't know he's walking into a trap.
I really enjoyed Full Tilt and I can't wait to see what happened in the first book that I skipped by mistake. This book is well written, exciting, and engaged me from the start.
5 Stars
April 12, 2018
Another good one!
Creation Mapes is a fabulous author who is willing to tackle the hard subjects while still bringing God glory. Full Tilt was the second in the Rock Star series. Of course the first book is always the best but Full Tilt is really good and continues the story so you aren’t left hanging.
Creation Mapes is a fabulous author who is willing to tackle the hard subjects while still bringing God glory. Full Tilt was the second in the Rock Star series. Of course the first book is always the best but Full Tilt is really good and continues the story so you aren’t left hanging.
August 3, 2016
Excellent
I loved it. God's forgiveness and grace is the central theme of this story. I love that the characters were flawed and human. Highly recommended.
I loved it. God's forgiveness and grace is the central theme of this story. I love that the characters were flawed and human. Highly recommended.
July 2, 2021
I remember reading and fully enjoying the first book in this series many years ago. I am very glad to have read this sequel as well. This book is a very good read. It moves a nice pace and has enough suspense and largely realistic characters to keep the reader engaged and wanting to read more. For me, the most valuable aspects of this book are the clear message that becoming a Christian is a long and trying journey as temptations will always be there to lure you back to your old ways. It also has characters that open defy Christianity and are understandable in their reasons for that. I also liked that being a Christian, and especially prayer, is portrayed in a more informal, everyday part of life as opposed to being ritualistic, formal and requiring biblical knowledge. The characters offer small, quick and real prayers throughout the book . Are some of the characters a bit pushy with their faith---sure but they are balanced by others who are not.
The only negative thing I have to say about the book is the ending. Something happens that is not fully described as it happens or as part of the epilogue chapter and the reader is left wondering if it was Divine interaction, an accident or the result of one character acting upon another character. I was looking for a bit of an explanation that did not come. Mapes also left one storyline open that could have led to a third installment but evidently chose not to continue to close it up with another book.
I appreciate the focus on the dangers of using meth, the difficulties with making a successful recovery and the slippery and dangerous slope of gambling. The book does let the reader know of the true dangers of these activities and potentially scary and deadly consequences of them.
The only negative thing I have to say about the book is the ending. Something happens that is not fully described as it happens or as part of the epilogue chapter and the reader is left wondering if it was Divine interaction, an accident or the result of one character acting upon another character. I was looking for a bit of an explanation that did not come. Mapes also left one storyline open that could have led to a third installment but evidently chose not to continue to close it up with another book.
I appreciate the focus on the dangers of using meth, the difficulties with making a successful recovery and the slippery and dangerous slope of gambling. The book does let the reader know of the true dangers of these activities and potentially scary and deadly consequences of them.
May 14, 2019
Another really good Christian fiction book by this author.
I recommend it.
It deals with some tough issues in general and how non-believers deal with them and also how believers do.
I like that he shows the struggles believers still have from time to time.
How believers apply scripture to their very real lives that is not all a bed of roses.
Also how the enemy is fighting a very real war against God's children.
How the enemy deceives the lost and perishing.....and yet, how some are turned around that seem impossible.
This is even harder hitting than the first book in the series, in so many ways!
I recommend it.
It deals with some tough issues in general and how non-believers deal with them and also how believers do.
I like that he shows the struggles believers still have from time to time.
How believers apply scripture to their very real lives that is not all a bed of roses.
Also how the enemy is fighting a very real war against God's children.
How the enemy deceives the lost and perishing.....and yet, how some are turned around that seem impossible.
This is even harder hitting than the first book in the series, in so many ways!
February 25, 2022
Full Tilt (book 2 Rock Star Chronicles) crest mapes
I highly, highly enjoyed this book and how it was written and presented. It is a very excellent and fast paced thriller and God's mercy and redemption. I could hardly wait to turn to the next page. I recommend this book to anyone who love action packed thrillers and God's plan and love for your life.
I highly, highly enjoyed this book and how it was written and presented. It is a very excellent and fast paced thriller and God's mercy and redemption. I could hardly wait to turn to the next page. I recommend this book to anyone who love action packed thrillers and God's plan and love for your life.
December 23, 2021
Spolier
Well written, suspenseful. Good Christian content. The main disconnect in the plot was that the main character was a multimillionaire. He and his family had been threatened with physical harm by a mob boss yet he did not hire bodyguards which would have been the logical thing to do. I understand he was relying on God for protection but doesn't God allow Christians the freedom to make choices in their lives? In this case to protect themselves from evil? This seems to be the embodiment of God granting free will to mankind.
Well written, suspenseful. Good Christian content. The main disconnect in the plot was that the main character was a multimillionaire. He and his family had been threatened with physical harm by a mob boss yet he did not hire bodyguards which would have been the logical thing to do. I understand he was relying on God for protection but doesn't God allow Christians the freedom to make choices in their lives? In this case to protect themselves from evil? This seems to be the embodiment of God granting free will to mankind.
September 26, 2022
I only recently discovered this author and am really enjoying his books. They go deep into dark topics, but they also share the gospel and show how we can rely on God even during the toughest times.
June 22, 2019
As good as the first book if not better!
December 24, 2011
I was excited to read book #2 in the Rock Star Chronicles, my review of Book #1, Dark Star can be found here. Full Tilt did not disappoint.
Mr. Mapes uses more of the back and forth writing to keep the story interesting, this time going back and forth between the characters instead of back and forth between times. And while the focus is still mainly on Everett, Full Tilt starts to include more of Everett's family as well.
It's definintely a wild ride and at times scarier than some of the horror books out there. As a mom, I find "meth" a terrifying drug. We actually had the first "meth" bust in our county just down the road from my house (we live in a rural area and thankfully drugs aren't a huge problem yet). But meth is just bad and Mr. Mapes emphasizes that in this book. Everett is back in this book trying to walk the Christian walk and do all he can to bring others to know Jesus including his brother, Eddie and his family who are still in shambles dealing with his son's death. It's heart-wrenching at times and at others you just really want to smack Eddie and Sheila (and that's the point).
Mr. Mapes has done another great job crafting interesting characters and making a captivating and believable plot that kept me turning the pages. The action was so great at times I had a very hard time putting the book down. I felt very invested in the characters and look forward to the next installment in the series. I think Mr. Mapes does a great job crafting the story around a Christian theme. The Christian element never seems forced. I enjoyed the book as a whole and cannot wait for my tour stop for book #3 next month.
Mr. Mapes uses more of the back and forth writing to keep the story interesting, this time going back and forth between the characters instead of back and forth between times. And while the focus is still mainly on Everett, Full Tilt starts to include more of Everett's family as well.
It's definintely a wild ride and at times scarier than some of the horror books out there. As a mom, I find "meth" a terrifying drug. We actually had the first "meth" bust in our county just down the road from my house (we live in a rural area and thankfully drugs aren't a huge problem yet). But meth is just bad and Mr. Mapes emphasizes that in this book. Everett is back in this book trying to walk the Christian walk and do all he can to bring others to know Jesus including his brother, Eddie and his family who are still in shambles dealing with his son's death. It's heart-wrenching at times and at others you just really want to smack Eddie and Sheila (and that's the point).
Mr. Mapes has done another great job crafting interesting characters and making a captivating and believable plot that kept me turning the pages. The action was so great at times I had a very hard time putting the book down. I felt very invested in the characters and look forward to the next installment in the series. I think Mr. Mapes does a great job crafting the story around a Christian theme. The Christian element never seems forced. I enjoyed the book as a whole and cannot wait for my tour stop for book #3 next month.
March 27, 2012
Creston Mapes's second installment of the Rock Star Chronicles, Full Tilt starts right where book 1 ends. At the end of Dark Star, Everett Lester is free from all criminal charges and his prior bondage to drugs. His band has dissolved, and he is planning to marry Karen Bayliss, the young lady who so faithfully witnessed to and prayed for him. So at the beginning of Full Tilt Everett and Karen are married, and Everett has started a new band that he plans to use to share what God has done in his life. The old man is gone; he is new in Christ and wants to show the world how Jesus saved him.
The problem is that the enemy does not want that to happen. Lester has a powerful testimony, and God wants to use it to save more lives. This is a book about battles: spiritual battles, battles with the flesh, even battles with other people. I haven't finished it yet. I mixed up my dates and thought I had a couple more days to read it, so I'm still in the first half of the book.
I have to admit that although I had been intrigued about these books from the first I saw them a few years ago, I like them so much more than I thought I would. They are just so different from what I normally read, and yet they are powerful, inspiring, and entertaining. Creston Mapes is an author with a skill for grabbing the reader and pulling her into the story. I empathize with the characters; they are real and three-dimensional. The story is suspenseful, yet down to earth. It is fast-paced and emotional with a strong Christian theme. Again I would highly recommend this author and this series.
The problem is that the enemy does not want that to happen. Lester has a powerful testimony, and God wants to use it to save more lives. This is a book about battles: spiritual battles, battles with the flesh, even battles with other people. I haven't finished it yet. I mixed up my dates and thought I had a couple more days to read it, so I'm still in the first half of the book.
I have to admit that although I had been intrigued about these books from the first I saw them a few years ago, I like them so much more than I thought I would. They are just so different from what I normally read, and yet they are powerful, inspiring, and entertaining. Creston Mapes is an author with a skill for grabbing the reader and pulling her into the story. I empathize with the characters; they are real and three-dimensional. The story is suspenseful, yet down to earth. It is fast-paced and emotional with a strong Christian theme. Again I would highly recommend this author and this series.
July 14, 2022
so real…
Real life characters with real life problems! Thrilling and fast paced action. Villains, heroes and more. Read on to see what’s up.
Real life characters with real life problems! Thrilling and fast paced action. Villains, heroes and more. Read on to see what’s up.
January 16, 2016
In the sequel to Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol, Everett Lester is eager to share the redeeming peace of Christ's love through music. Acquitted of murder and newly married, he is trying to get a new tour off the ground. But while his life is on the upswing, Everett's new life as a Christian is threatened, as always, by Satan and his minions.
Everett's older brother, Eddie, is in deep with the mob for Eddie's steep gambling debts and as much as Everett tries to be there for his brother, Eddie's deteriorating family becomes suspicious and disdainful of his attempts to share the good news. Meanwhile, Everett's young nephew, Wesley, blames his uncle for his younger brother's death. Wesley has recently taken to smoking meth and falls in with psychotic Tony Badino, and the two Antichrists will stop at nothing to bring down Everett Lester and secure his demise.
I really enjoyed this sequel. It was wonderful that this book is still so suspenseful even for Christian fiction. I give this book an A! and look forward to perhaps another book in the series.
Everett's older brother, Eddie, is in deep with the mob for Eddie's steep gambling debts and as much as Everett tries to be there for his brother, Eddie's deteriorating family becomes suspicious and disdainful of his attempts to share the good news. Meanwhile, Everett's young nephew, Wesley, blames his uncle for his younger brother's death. Wesley has recently taken to smoking meth and falls in with psychotic Tony Badino, and the two Antichrists will stop at nothing to bring down Everett Lester and secure his demise.
I really enjoyed this sequel. It was wonderful that this book is still so suspenseful even for Christian fiction. I give this book an A! and look forward to perhaps another book in the series.
July 2, 2013
Once I started this book I couldn't put it down, and I'm not sure what it was...
Creston Mapes has a hard-hitting, fast-paced style of writing that kept me flipping pages (even when I didn't sympathise with the characters and was getting annoyed with gramatical oddities). Intensity is his strongpoint.
I also appreciated how, even though the main character has recently become a Christian, his life isn't suddenly perfect and full of peace. Instead, he's got this foundation and anchor in spite of the terrible things happening in his family.
So, I'm giving 5 for intensity and inspiration content, but docking points because the characters fell flat for me, and because he kept on starting sentences with predicates. : ) 3 out of 5
Creston Mapes has a hard-hitting, fast-paced style of writing that kept me flipping pages (even when I didn't sympathise with the characters and was getting annoyed with gramatical oddities). Intensity is his strongpoint.
I also appreciated how, even though the main character has recently become a Christian, his life isn't suddenly perfect and full of peace. Instead, he's got this foundation and anchor in spite of the terrible things happening in his family.
So, I'm giving 5 for intensity and inspiration content, but docking points because the characters fell flat for me, and because he kept on starting sentences with predicates. : ) 3 out of 5
Read
July 9, 2015Of all the book series, I've read, I've never known one in which the point of view changes. As you might know in Dark Star, it's in first person. In Full Tilt, it's in third person.
The way this book helped me as a writer, it was with conflict. Creston pulled out all the stops with it. How could you not have that, with a wife facing infertility from an abortion, a brother who has a gambling addiction, which I must say is worse than any of Everett's; and a nephew who is on meth, who hates him forever.
But with every conflict comes resolution. It brought a smile to my face when I saw how his niece was utilized for Living Water, for her art, and Wesley as a roadie.
The way this book helped me as a writer, it was with conflict. Creston pulled out all the stops with it. How could you not have that, with a wife facing infertility from an abortion, a brother who has a gambling addiction, which I must say is worse than any of Everett's; and a nephew who is on meth, who hates him forever.
But with every conflict comes resolution. It brought a smile to my face when I saw how his niece was utilized for Living Water, for her art, and Wesley as a roadie.
September 19, 2024
Another great read from Creston Mapes. The ending is very exciting, but the whole book has ups and downs in the new life of the rock star. I would not read this without first reading book # 1, Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol so you know the characters and background. I really like the writing style of the author, somewhat edgy and gritty and truer to life than many Christian books, which makes it more believable and entertaining. (The only thing not realistic is the lack of curse words by the bad guys in the book, but I know that's to keep this book clean for younger readers. The rest of the portrayal of the bad guys is indeed realistic!) Very enjoyable read.
April 5, 2025
I’ve owned these books for years. I recently did a re-read and still liked them a lot. I had an unfortunate experience with him or his PA on Facebook years ago that made me step back from reading his works but I recently decided to move on from that and give them a re read again before donating them. Definitely worth it! Emotional, surprising and intense.
December 9, 2013
I just finished both "Dark Star" and "Full Tilt," so my review is for both simultaneously. Both books did a great job of showing the struggle of not only the antagonist but many of the side characters as well in their daily lives. The inability of many situations to be handled or influenced by us without some Divine help was also illustrated incredibly well.
Of the two books, I liked "Full Tilt" a little bit more. While "Dark Star" was certainly a great book, the flashbacks did not really work well for me, but that is just a personal preference.
Overall, two great reads!
Of the two books, I liked "Full Tilt" a little bit more. While "Dark Star" was certainly a great book, the flashbacks did not really work well for me, but that is just a personal preference.
Overall, two great reads!
January 9, 2013
I read my first Mapes book, "Dark Star," and became completely hooked on Everett Lester's story. I had no choice but to hop onto the sequel. While "Full-Tilt" isn't quite as exceptional as Dark Star, it's still great. When I first started reading it, I was a bit overwhelmed with the melodrama, but it grabbed hold of me nonetheless and didn't let go until I came out the other end. Full of action and suspense. I miss Everett's first-person storytelling from Dark Star, though!
June 11, 2015
This story is outstanding all by itself, but is actually the sequel to "Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol." Here we find Everett Lester coping with the death of one of his nephews and how he strives each day to living a better life free from the trappings of his past. Fans of the show, "Breaking Bad" will eat this up!
April 23, 2020
This was an exciting, fast-paced novel. I really like all the adjectives that Creston Mapes includes. It helps me create an image in my head, as I am reading. I’m surprised at just how fast I read this book! He deals with real, important issues. You’ll end the book wanting your family and enemies to know Jesus.
May 4, 2022
Excellent Reading!
Creston Mapes has done it again! I love the stories of Lester and Karen and this one has been inspiring and intriguing. With the right mix of faith and mystery and intrigue
, this book hold the reader in its grasp and makes you hungry for more. When is the next one coming?
Creston Mapes has done it again! I love the stories of Lester and Karen and this one has been inspiring and intriguing. With the right mix of faith and mystery and intrigue
, this book hold the reader in its grasp and makes you hungry for more. When is the next one coming?
April 14, 2024
This book was GREAT! I just love Creston Mape's books! I liked this one even better than the first one in the series. I just love how his books help me grow as a person! While reading this book, I just started counseling someone at church who is on meth. I couldn't believe this book dealt with this theme! I learned so much!
February 1, 2020
Full Tilt
Drugs are a gateway for Satan to manipulate ,seduce,and trick a person into forgetting God. This story tells the truth about a life lived it of control wasting away. And the people who love and pray for freedom in Jesus Christ.
Drugs are a gateway for Satan to manipulate ,seduce,and trick a person into forgetting God. This story tells the truth about a life lived it of control wasting away. And the people who love and pray for freedom in Jesus Christ.
January 28, 2021
You won't regret picking this series
I have binged on Creation Mapes books for the last week. So good, suspenseful, but full of hope and God's love. Read them all. Start with this series first, then the Crittenden series. I can't wait to read more by this author.
I have binged on Creation Mapes books for the last week. So good, suspenseful, but full of hope and God's love. Read them all. Start with this series first, then the Crittenden series. I can't wait to read more by this author.
May 2, 2022
This was a great sequel. I really enjoyed the author’s story-telling ability. He really shows the spiritual warfare that is constantly happening behind the scenes of believers and non-believers alike.
May 25, 2022
Excellent book
This book tells a great story about a former secular rock star who has become a Christian and now leads a Christian rock group. His niece and nephew are both intrigued by his new life and his niece accepts Christ.
This book tells a great story about a former secular rock star who has become a Christian and now leads a Christian rock group. His niece and nephew are both intrigued by his new life and his niece accepts Christ.
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