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COIL #1
Dark Liaison
Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B005V257FK
In DARK LIAISON, A Christian Suspense Novel, Book One in the COIL Series by D.I. Telbat, we jump into an intense scene where things are not as they seem for Memphis as he is unknowingly tested. And then we meet protagonist Corban Dowler.
It is an age of prophetic strife when spiritual darkness collides with servants of the Cross. Christians worldwide are persecuted on a heightened level, and while no safety seems to exist, one man steps forward to lend a hand to the defenseless laborers.
Corban Dowler is an old-school spy. Six years ago, he accepted Christ's gift of salvation and then resigned from the morally compromising C.I.A. As Corban desires to fulfill God's Great Commission, he builds an organization called the Commission of International Laborers, (COIL), where he devotes his skills and resources to assist persecuted or kidnapped Christian servants in the most dangerous environments worldwide.
There are times in this age when Corban Dowler must hastily extract missionary families and Christian workers from danger zones before death steals them from their righteous work. For these operations, Corban has developed commando-style teams using non-lethal weapons to extract the threatened or persecuted servants of the Lord.
These covert multiethnic teams are ex-military or ex-CIA, and all believers in Christ.
Satan is every bit the adversary as he operates through his demonic workers of iniquity. They are set on claiming the lives of the righteous that stand for Truth. While COIL is working tirelessly to rescue Christians in need, Satan's followers are placing roadblocks, destroying, and kidnapping believers in Christ to thwart the efforts of COIL. The operatives find themselves prey to the very wickedness that they are committed to fight, and a battle between good and evil emerges.
With new cover design by Streetlight Graphics, Dark Liaison is an 83,000-word Christian action-suspense novel of espionage and spiritual warfare. This Book One in the COIL Series contrasts the lives of satanic antagonists bent on hatred with the COIL laborers who protect the Christian men and women servants standing for righteousness. And we learn that...there is no redemption without sacrifice.
In DARK LIAISON, A Christian Suspense Novel, Book One in the COIL Series by D.I. Telbat, we jump into an intense scene where things are not as they seem for Memphis as he is unknowingly tested. And then we meet protagonist Corban Dowler.
It is an age of prophetic strife when spiritual darkness collides with servants of the Cross. Christians worldwide are persecuted on a heightened level, and while no safety seems to exist, one man steps forward to lend a hand to the defenseless laborers.
Corban Dowler is an old-school spy. Six years ago, he accepted Christ's gift of salvation and then resigned from the morally compromising C.I.A. As Corban desires to fulfill God's Great Commission, he builds an organization called the Commission of International Laborers, (COIL), where he devotes his skills and resources to assist persecuted or kidnapped Christian servants in the most dangerous environments worldwide.
There are times in this age when Corban Dowler must hastily extract missionary families and Christian workers from danger zones before death steals them from their righteous work. For these operations, Corban has developed commando-style teams using non-lethal weapons to extract the threatened or persecuted servants of the Lord.
These covert multiethnic teams are ex-military or ex-CIA, and all believers in Christ.
Satan is every bit the adversary as he operates through his demonic workers of iniquity. They are set on claiming the lives of the righteous that stand for Truth. While COIL is working tirelessly to rescue Christians in need, Satan's followers are placing roadblocks, destroying, and kidnapping believers in Christ to thwart the efforts of COIL. The operatives find themselves prey to the very wickedness that they are committed to fight, and a battle between good and evil emerges.
With new cover design by Streetlight Graphics, Dark Liaison is an 83,000-word Christian action-suspense novel of espionage and spiritual warfare. This Book One in the COIL Series contrasts the lives of satanic antagonists bent on hatred with the COIL laborers who protect the Christian men and women servants standing for righteousness. And we learn that...there is no redemption without sacrifice.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2011
328 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
D.I. Telbat
55 books73 followersI've been writing novels and short stories since I was a young teen. God has greatly impacted me, and I now desire to honor the Lord with my life and writing.
My stories can be read in several online and print publications, as well as three anthologies. My bestselling COIL Series include novels Dark Liaison, Book One; Dark Hearted, Book Two; Dark Rule, Book Three; and Dark Vessel, Book Four, and are available at most e-retailers, as are Jaguar Dusk, a Christian Special Forces novel, Sea Scribe, a Covert Christian Mission Suspense, and End Times Novel, God's Colonel. See my website for other novels and stories added often, including Dark Cover, COIL Book Five, to be out late 2014.
I offer free weekly Christian short stories, or serialized novels, my Author Reflections, and occasional challenges to the Christian Church on my Telbat's Tablet blog at http://ditelbat.com.
When I'm not writing, I'm very involved in Christian ministry. I've kept my home office in the NW U.S. where my assistant, Dee, lives and helps with my editing and writing needs.
My motto: There is no redemption without sacrifice.
[This is Dee K. Borah. I work with David Telbat and will be managing his Goodreads account for him. All reviews and bookshelves belong to D.I. Telbat.]
My stories can be read in several online and print publications, as well as three anthologies. My bestselling COIL Series include novels Dark Liaison, Book One; Dark Hearted, Book Two; Dark Rule, Book Three; and Dark Vessel, Book Four, and are available at most e-retailers, as are Jaguar Dusk, a Christian Special Forces novel, Sea Scribe, a Covert Christian Mission Suspense, and End Times Novel, God's Colonel. See my website for other novels and stories added often, including Dark Cover, COIL Book Five, to be out late 2014.
I offer free weekly Christian short stories, or serialized novels, my Author Reflections, and occasional challenges to the Christian Church on my Telbat's Tablet blog at http://ditelbat.com.
When I'm not writing, I'm very involved in Christian ministry. I've kept my home office in the NW U.S. where my assistant, Dee, lives and helps with my editing and writing needs.
My motto: There is no redemption without sacrifice.
[This is Dee K. Borah. I work with David Telbat and will be managing his Goodreads account for him. All reviews and bookshelves belong to D.I. Telbat.]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 3, 2017
DARK EDGE: Prequel to the COIL Series whetted my appetite for this series and now Dark Liaison has more than satiated this appetite! As with any satisfying meal that is also delicious and tasty, you want more of this meal. So with the C.O.I.L series. I want more and am so glad that there are 4 more books to continue to more than satisfy me!
This is one action packed, engaging series that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and one you cannot put down. Telbat definitely has the imagination and writing expertise to transport the reader to a world of rogue, covert, special ops involving spiritual warfare, demon possession, physical imprisonment and torture of the persecuted Christian church and individual Christians.
Full review:
http://christianfictionreviewguru.blo...
This is one action packed, engaging series that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and one you cannot put down. Telbat definitely has the imagination and writing expertise to transport the reader to a world of rogue, covert, special ops involving spiritual warfare, demon possession, physical imprisonment and torture of the persecuted Christian church and individual Christians.
Full review:
http://christianfictionreviewguru.blo...
February 7, 2020
5 stars for the series. This is a great series. I binge listened. Cameron Beierle as narrator is the best. It's no coincidence that I dont swear as much after listening to the series. New D.I. Telbat fan. I look forward to his other works.
July 9, 2018
Great Christian end-times suspense thriller. I will definitely read more in the COIL series. An ex-CIA agent, turned Christian, runs the COIL network to save Christians in persecuted countries who are in danger. He is a master of disguise. However, evil forces are trying to put the COIL network and Corbin out of business.
It is an age of prophetic strife when spiritual darkness collides with servants of the Cross. Christians worldwide are persecuted on a heightened level, and while no safety seems to exist, one man steps forward to lend a hand to the defenseless laborers.
Corban Dowler is an old-school spy. Six years ago, he accepted Christ's gift of salvation and then resigned from the morally compromising CIA. As Corban desires to help fulfill God's Great Commission, he builds an organization known as the Commission of International Laborers, (COIL), where he devotes his skills and resources to assist persecuted Christian servants in the most dangerous environments worldwide.
There are times in this age when Corban Dowler must hastily extract missionary families and Christian workers from danger zones before death steals them from their righteous work. For these operations, Corban has developed commando-style teams using non-lethal weapons. These covert multiethnic teams are ex-military, or ex-CIA, and all believers in Christ.
Satan is every bit the adversary as he operates through his demonic workers of iniquity. They are set on claiming the lives of the righteous that stand for Truth. While COIL is working tirelessly to rescue Christians in need, Satan's followers are placing roadblocks, destroying, and kidnapping believers in Christ to thwart the efforts of COIL. The operatives find themselves prey to the very wickedness they are committed to fight, and a battle between good and evil emerges.
It is an age of prophetic strife when spiritual darkness collides with servants of the Cross. Christians worldwide are persecuted on a heightened level, and while no safety seems to exist, one man steps forward to lend a hand to the defenseless laborers.
Corban Dowler is an old-school spy. Six years ago, he accepted Christ's gift of salvation and then resigned from the morally compromising CIA. As Corban desires to help fulfill God's Great Commission, he builds an organization known as the Commission of International Laborers, (COIL), where he devotes his skills and resources to assist persecuted Christian servants in the most dangerous environments worldwide.
There are times in this age when Corban Dowler must hastily extract missionary families and Christian workers from danger zones before death steals them from their righteous work. For these operations, Corban has developed commando-style teams using non-lethal weapons. These covert multiethnic teams are ex-military, or ex-CIA, and all believers in Christ.
Satan is every bit the adversary as he operates through his demonic workers of iniquity. They are set on claiming the lives of the righteous that stand for Truth. While COIL is working tirelessly to rescue Christians in need, Satan's followers are placing roadblocks, destroying, and kidnapping believers in Christ to thwart the efforts of COIL. The operatives find themselves prey to the very wickedness they are committed to fight, and a battle between good and evil emerges.
July 22, 2021
Totally surprised at the hefty 4.5 rating. I'm wondering if many of the high ratings were bogus. Got this thru ChristianAudio.com, so I'd like to save you a couple credits.
This was one terrible book. First the narrator kept pronouncing Luigi as an EYEtalian. I cringed every time he said it. Secondly he would stop sentences where they shouldn't have stopped, and then finish them awkwardly. Horrible narrator.
As for the book itself. The origin of COIL and the fact that it had agencies around the world in such a short time (less than 6 years) was utterly laughable.
Also, the torture (punches, burn with a lit cigar) of Memphis in the opening chapter was intense, but then they went "We were only testing you". I'd have asked for some ointment for the burns, punched somebody and then told them they could take their COIL and shove it up.....well....
I just couldn't take anymore of the ludicrousness. There's lots of good Christian fiction out there, this isn't one of them. DNF.
This was one terrible book. First the narrator kept pronouncing Luigi as an EYEtalian. I cringed every time he said it. Secondly he would stop sentences where they shouldn't have stopped, and then finish them awkwardly. Horrible narrator.
As for the book itself. The origin of COIL and the fact that it had agencies around the world in such a short time (less than 6 years) was utterly laughable.
Also, the torture (punches, burn with a lit cigar) of Memphis in the opening chapter was intense, but then they went "We were only testing you". I'd have asked for some ointment for the burns, punched somebody and then told them they could take their COIL and shove it up.....well....
I just couldn't take anymore of the ludicrousness. There's lots of good Christian fiction out there, this isn't one of them. DNF.
June 29, 2023
This is labeled "A Christian Suspense novel," and I'd say that is a good designation. I liked the characters, the plot, and the pace of the story. I also liked the Christian elements, which gave the book greater meaning than just an ordinary novel. The main character Corban is a former law enforcement agent and knows the tricks of the trade. He is now head of a group called COIL who help Christians, particularly missionaries, who are in peril around the world. It's a dangerous job, but he has a group of dedicated Christians who risk their lives to save others. Corban has numerous different disguises that help him accomplish his missions. I really liked this book and even though you can read it as a standalone, I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 27, 2018
Though I liked Corban Dowler's character/role, I struggled to understand how simply disarming a foe who was torturing God's servants would improve working/living conditions for either the servant or the people group with whom they were living/working. Also it was - to me - less than chivalrous not to go-after Brandon for physically attacking and injuring his wife Janice and blind daughter Jenna. There were too many demonic, dark places with Abaddon. The professional narration was poorly recorded, with misreadings from the text, slowed-down, low-pitched southern slang, a refusal to read contracted words, e.g., 'cannot', instead of the text's 'can't' in EVERY instance.
July 13, 2023
Clean, fast-paced, suspense centered around a team of Christians who support and rescue Christian Missionaries. Support with supplies when normal supply chains fail and rescue for those who have been imprisoned for spreading the gospel.
Telbat’s writing is clean and his characters model strong belief. But those who do God’s work end up with enemies who want the world to remain enslaved to darkness. I especially appreciate how he included a demonic dimension to the story. The tale recognizes there is spiritual darkness and evil as well as human evil acting in the world today. Much to think about. I look forward to reading more of this series and I recommend Dark Liaison.
Telbat’s writing is clean and his characters model strong belief. But those who do God’s work end up with enemies who want the world to remain enslaved to darkness. I especially appreciate how he included a demonic dimension to the story. The tale recognizes there is spiritual darkness and evil as well as human evil acting in the world today. Much to think about. I look forward to reading more of this series and I recommend Dark Liaison.
December 20, 2020
New Favorite Author
I started with the most vurrent series by D.I. Talbat and enjoyed it so much (except for the cliffhanger ending 😱) that I figured I would start from the beginning. Now I'm hooked and plan on reading the rest of his books. The action is nearly constant. The message of Christian attitude is very convicting, especially during these trying COVID times. What a great writer. I love action / drama / mystery but it is so hard to find good stories without sex and / or foul language. This is a refreshing find.
I started with the most vurrent series by D.I. Talbat and enjoyed it so much (except for the cliffhanger ending 😱) that I figured I would start from the beginning. Now I'm hooked and plan on reading the rest of his books. The action is nearly constant. The message of Christian attitude is very convicting, especially during these trying COVID times. What a great writer. I love action / drama / mystery but it is so hard to find good stories without sex and / or foul language. This is a refreshing find.
February 4, 2021
Great book, fascinating series. Love it!
This was a great book I would recommend it to those probably 16 and older. It is clean reading in suspense nearly at its best. I really enjoyed reading it. Can’t wait to read the next in series. This author is one of my favorites. He has a great imagination and uses it for a good calls. I am blind and I like the fact that he has a blind character in this series and from what I can see allows her to grow up and be an independent person. It looks like this man understands blind people to a degree.
This was a great book I would recommend it to those probably 16 and older. It is clean reading in suspense nearly at its best. I really enjoyed reading it. Can’t wait to read the next in series. This author is one of my favorites. He has a great imagination and uses it for a good calls. I am blind and I like the fact that he has a blind character in this series and from what I can see allows her to grow up and be an independent person. It looks like this man understands blind people to a degree.
January 31, 2018
Very unique take on a Spy/ undercover operatives novel. The group Coil are former Military, Mossad, CIA opperatives who have given their lives to Christ and now use their unique undercover skills to rescue Missionaries whose lives are in danger. While not using lethal force they disable their enemies using a special gun and a sleeping agent. There is also a strong Spiritual battle element between good and evil. There were a few cheesy parts but the story kept my interest
January 17, 2021
Very informative
I liked this book's subject matter and the character were clearly defined. Lots of action, but I wonder if the battle against the enemy is as obvious. I know spiritual warfare is ongoing and would love to subdue people like the Coil characters do. Thanks for the info. At the end of the book that informs the reader of the "real" warriors to pray for each day. I will be reading Book 2.
I liked this book's subject matter and the character were clearly defined. Lots of action, but I wonder if the battle against the enemy is as obvious. I know spiritual warfare is ongoing and would love to subdue people like the Coil characters do. Thanks for the info. At the end of the book that informs the reader of the "real" warriors to pray for each day. I will be reading Book 2.
October 1, 2023
Great action!
COIL exists to assist Christians in need. Sometimes that's smuggling Bibles into countries that don't tolerate Christianity, and sometimes it has smuggling Christians out of those areas. As Corban and his team do the work that they feel called to, they must continue to watch their backs. The evil forces of Satan are at work to stop them from spreading the Gospel.
Great action and characters, while sharing God's work with the readers.
COIL exists to assist Christians in need. Sometimes that's smuggling Bibles into countries that don't tolerate Christianity, and sometimes it has smuggling Christians out of those areas. As Corban and his team do the work that they feel called to, they must continue to watch their backs. The evil forces of Satan are at work to stop them from spreading the Gospel.
Great action and characters, while sharing God's work with the readers.
September 4, 2020
Excellent book
The author certainly knows how to keep a reader's interest. There were parts where I would have to remind myself to relax, that it was fiction. He doesn't just tell a story; somehow he wraps the story around you, gathering you in with details of the characters, their emotions, and the actions that are taking place.
The author certainly knows how to keep a reader's interest. There were parts where I would have to remind myself to relax, that it was fiction. He doesn't just tell a story; somehow he wraps the story around you, gathering you in with details of the characters, their emotions, and the actions that are taking place.
November 3, 2017
It took a few chapters before I started to like the characters and storyline; ended up really enjoying it. I love the author’s emphasis on relying on God but using the wits God gives to battle the Enemy and his pawns. I didn’t expect the twist - it added quite a punch to the story.
October 23, 2018
Great
This book kept me very interested in the lives of the main characters. Couple of twists and turns and a few surprises. You've done it again Mr Telbat. Checking into Book 2 of COIL next. God bless you .
This book kept me very interested in the lives of the main characters. Couple of twists and turns and a few surprises. You've done it again Mr Telbat. Checking into Book 2 of COIL next. God bless you .
November 18, 2018
Great book
Covers sensitive topics in a very Christ honoring way. Makes me wonder how us Americans would face persecutions. Thank you for an inspiring read.
Covers sensitive topics in a very Christ honoring way. Makes me wonder how us Americans would face persecutions. Thank you for an inspiring read.
February 17, 2019
Great story line
Really loved the spy world theme! Never thought about the powers in play His return. Well written story and a very interesting topic!
Really loved the spy world theme! Never thought about the powers in play His return. Well written story and a very interesting topic!
December 23, 2019
wow
What can I say? A must read series and I'm not even through all the way. glad I found this series. I think I read the books put of order but still great read!
What can I say? A must read series and I'm not even through all the way. glad I found this series. I think I read the books put of order but still great read!
March 19, 2021
Must. Keep. Reading!
Great character development and a fresh approach to Christian Apocalypse fiction! Headed to book #2 Dark Hearted for another wild ride!
Great character development and a fresh approach to Christian Apocalypse fiction! Headed to book #2 Dark Hearted for another wild ride!
December 18, 2021
OH SO GOOD!
A very good read. Loved the characters. The storyline: good vs evil kept me at the edge of my seat til the very end.
A very good read. Loved the characters. The storyline: good vs evil kept me at the edge of my seat til the very end.
February 27, 2022
GOD is Good
I have read many of Mr Telbat's books ,just not in order. As always makes you feel good that the light will always win.
I have read many of Mr Telbat's books ,just not in order. As always makes you feel good that the light will always win.
Read
July 6, 2022So very good!! I loved this book. I can't wait to read all of Telbat's books!!
August 8, 2022
great book!
Great reminder of the spiritual battle we’re fighting everyday and those who are risking their lives to spread Gods word!
Great reminder of the spiritual battle we’re fighting everyday and those who are risking their lives to spread Gods word!
April 5, 2023
Intrigue, mystery & espionage are all wrapped up in this tale which is ultimately about spiritual warfare. Good against evil- a great read I highly recommend!
July 18, 2023
Extremely good!
September 24, 2023
Good fiction
I enjoyed the suspense. The character development really drew me into the story. I am excited to read the next book in the series
I enjoyed the suspense. The character development really drew me into the story. I am excited to read the next book in the series
April 19, 2024
Great great book
What a wonderful God we serve to give this author such a wonderful gift. Blessings to those who read this.
What a wonderful God we serve to give this author such a wonderful gift. Blessings to those who read this.
May 5, 2024
Dark but a thriller
I a.ways love DI Telbat books for keeping me on the edge of my seat. Love how he can accomplish so much still maintaining the dignity of life.
I a.ways love DI Telbat books for keeping me on the edge of my seat. Love how he can accomplish so much still maintaining the dignity of life.
April 6, 2025
kept me glued to the pages
Great writing.
Multiple adventures keep you guessing and making assumptions about what might happen.
Looking at to following further adventures
Great writing.
Multiple adventures keep you guessing and making assumptions about what might happen.
Looking at to following further adventures
December 20, 2025
An exciting read
An excellent read. Engaging and exciting from start to finish. The characters are well suited to this genre Going to read the entire series.
An excellent read. Engaging and exciting from start to finish. The characters are well suited to this genre Going to read the entire series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews