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Brand of Justice #6
Dust and Ashes
Coming this fall!
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2023
275 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Phillips
171 books878 followersLisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 30, 2023
Still love these characters…
This latest episode of Kenna Banbury’s Brand of Justice series finds me still longing to know more of what happens to the characters. I found the plot twists a little difficult to follow, possibly because of the overwhelming number of antagonists and highly unlikely number of times Kenna was kidnapped. Phillip’s has however, continued to create addictive characters that leave us dreading to see the story end. I will be looking forward to the next book, but will be hoping for a more believable number of catastrophes!
This latest episode of Kenna Banbury’s Brand of Justice series finds me still longing to know more of what happens to the characters. I found the plot twists a little difficult to follow, possibly because of the overwhelming number of antagonists and highly unlikely number of times Kenna was kidnapped. Phillip’s has however, continued to create addictive characters that leave us dreading to see the story end. I will be looking forward to the next book, but will be hoping for a more believable number of catastrophes!
September 19, 2023
Dust and Ashes, penned by Lisa Phillips, slammed into me with a bucket full of defiance on the first page. The novel begins with the answer of the cliff-hanger where Kenna and Jax were kidnapped in Washington, D.C., on their way to FBI headquarters at the end of Skin and Bone, book number 5. As Dust and Ashes is filled with action, threats and faith that overcomes the violence that seems to be a way of life in the Mexican town just one-half hour from the Texas border, Phillips adds twists and turns in almost every single chapter! As a result of the kidnapping, Jax has been severely beaten and Kenna is seeking a way to get him help before he loses his life.
With the threat of two cartels that are threatening each other, claiming to take lives, Kenna is pulled in by two opposing leaders to solve the mystery of who is trying to shake them down. Both rival cartel bosses threaten Jax’s life, as well as anyone else who gets in their way, while the answers are found on their timeline. After murders and kidnappings, theft, as well as a race to find the truth, Kenna and Jax pull out all stops to complete the mission and rally their team. Seconds count as they search for two kidnapping victims, and it seems that Kenna also needs to find a way to keep the past in the past. The truth will set her free.
As Kenna searches to find answers with an agent who was wronged in her past, she also tries to find a way to set him free from the past hurts he was dealt. In the process, she opens her eyes and sees that the God she used to know, has never left her side. As she comes to the end of herself and realizes that she can’t do it all on her own, her heart is filled with God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness because she accepts Him. Now, maybe, Kenna and Jax can truly begin to seek God’s Will for every step that they take towards the future they might share. I was given this book for my honest opinion and I give this book five out of five stars for being a thrilling read!
With the threat of two cartels that are threatening each other, claiming to take lives, Kenna is pulled in by two opposing leaders to solve the mystery of who is trying to shake them down. Both rival cartel bosses threaten Jax’s life, as well as anyone else who gets in their way, while the answers are found on their timeline. After murders and kidnappings, theft, as well as a race to find the truth, Kenna and Jax pull out all stops to complete the mission and rally their team. Seconds count as they search for two kidnapping victims, and it seems that Kenna also needs to find a way to keep the past in the past. The truth will set her free.
As Kenna searches to find answers with an agent who was wronged in her past, she also tries to find a way to set him free from the past hurts he was dealt. In the process, she opens her eyes and sees that the God she used to know, has never left her side. As she comes to the end of herself and realizes that she can’t do it all on her own, her heart is filled with God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness because she accepts Him. Now, maybe, Kenna and Jax can truly begin to seek God’s Will for every step that they take towards the future they might share. I was given this book for my honest opinion and I give this book five out of five stars for being a thrilling read!
October 19, 2023
Dust and Ashes by Lisa phillips
"Don’t lose hope.
She of all people knew what happened when a captive lost hope"
I loved this and every book in this brand of justice series!
I will say this book does not stand alone so I do recommend reading the rest before diving in but, you won't want to miss this! In true Lisa Phillips style we are thrown into action and suspense, not sure what is to come next and I'm here for it.
Captive in mexico, a familiar and now rogue fbi agent, a killer, cartels, a missing child, page after page of twists and turns. You won't want to put it down! I've enjoyed watching Kenna develop, hit rock bottom and come to the point of knowing she needed God. Can't wait to see what's next!
"Kenna needs a way out.
Captive south of the border with Jax the subject of intense interrogation, there's no way she'll risk escape without setting them both free. When their captors put her in the middle of a dangerous turf war, Kenna wants nothing to do with negotiating a truce...
Or being left behind.
Kenna is dragged along for the ride, partnered with a suspicious former colleague, and tasked with a dangerous assignment whether she likes it or not. With rescue just out of reach, Kenna is pushed to the breaking point: keep fighting, or finally surrender."
"Don’t lose hope.
She of all people knew what happened when a captive lost hope"
I loved this and every book in this brand of justice series!
I will say this book does not stand alone so I do recommend reading the rest before diving in but, you won't want to miss this! In true Lisa Phillips style we are thrown into action and suspense, not sure what is to come next and I'm here for it.
Captive in mexico, a familiar and now rogue fbi agent, a killer, cartels, a missing child, page after page of twists and turns. You won't want to put it down! I've enjoyed watching Kenna develop, hit rock bottom and come to the point of knowing she needed God. Can't wait to see what's next!
"Kenna needs a way out.
Captive south of the border with Jax the subject of intense interrogation, there's no way she'll risk escape without setting them both free. When their captors put her in the middle of a dangerous turf war, Kenna wants nothing to do with negotiating a truce...
Or being left behind.
Kenna is dragged along for the ride, partnered with a suspicious former colleague, and tasked with a dangerous assignment whether she likes it or not. With rescue just out of reach, Kenna is pushed to the breaking point: keep fighting, or finally surrender."
September 27, 2023
After the end of the last book in the series, I impatiently waited for this installment. I am definitely invested in Kenna, Jax, Maizie, and Stairns' lives and have to check in with them periodically to make sure they're doing well (ha, ha). This book definitely had them facing danger like never before (Phillips always has a way to kick it up a notch) and the action feels non-stop because the enemies are everywhere. The story itself is brilliantly written even if there was one plot point that made me so angry with the author (but it's good from a story-telling perspective).
Lisa Phillips has done a crackerjack job developing the character of Kenna and this book continues the wonderful arc from previous books in the series. I'm really trying to not give any spoilers, but writing this review without them is hard! Needless to say, it's a great read, you should up ASAP and then clear your schedule to read it. You won't regret it.
I did receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher but all opinions are my own. I did not promise to write a positive review in return for the copy of the book, nor would I ever make such a commitment.
Lisa Phillips has done a crackerjack job developing the character of Kenna and this book continues the wonderful arc from previous books in the series. I'm really trying to not give any spoilers, but writing this review without them is hard! Needless to say, it's a great read, you should up ASAP and then clear your schedule to read it. You won't regret it.
I did receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher but all opinions are my own. I did not promise to write a positive review in return for the copy of the book, nor would I ever make such a commitment.
November 8, 2023
Another action packed adventure from Lisa Phillips and I am here for it. This book is very well written and Kenna’s character development has been spot on.
‘Dust and Ashes’ picks right up from where ‘Burn the Dawn’ left off, with Kenna and Jax being held captive in Mexico. With the help of Srairns, Maizie, Jax, and someone she was not expecting to see again, Kenna works to get free from the clutches of rival cartels. At one point Kenna feels like giving up and she realizes that she isn’t in control of everything and she needs help. She FINALLY gives up her control and puts her trust in God.
The ending of this book was rough, but also not unexpected. You can’t be in the clutches of the cartel or evil men and expect everything to have a nice happy ending. I love that Phillips doesn’t sugar coat anything and keeps them pretty true to real life. I don’t want to say much more because I don’t want to spoil the book.
I am so glad this book is not the end of the series. I want to see more of these characters and see them find healing and true peace in God. They all deserve their happily ever afters.
‘Dust and Ashes’ picks right up from where ‘Burn the Dawn’ left off, with Kenna and Jax being held captive in Mexico. With the help of Srairns, Maizie, Jax, and someone she was not expecting to see again, Kenna works to get free from the clutches of rival cartels. At one point Kenna feels like giving up and she realizes that she isn’t in control of everything and she needs help. She FINALLY gives up her control and puts her trust in God.
The ending of this book was rough, but also not unexpected. You can’t be in the clutches of the cartel or evil men and expect everything to have a nice happy ending. I love that Phillips doesn’t sugar coat anything and keeps them pretty true to real life. I don’t want to say much more because I don’t want to spoil the book.
I am so glad this book is not the end of the series. I want to see more of these characters and see them find healing and true peace in God. They all deserve their happily ever afters.
September 24, 2025
Book five of this series ended on quite a cliffhanger, and this book picks up shortly thereafter, with Kenna and Jax in dire need of a rescue. Or a miracle.
Kenna finally embraces her faith and prays a lot in this book. What once was a subtle or nonexistent Christian message now takes center stage, almost to the point of distraction. Still, though sometimes the protagonist lacks agency, there is a lot of action.
Maisie is a primary character in this book, and she’s in danger again, which sets back her recovery. My heart broke for her situation, but it was an opportunity to see how she and Kenna have evolved, especially because of each other. Jax and Stairns are back (always two of my favorites). There’s a new, morally gray character who will factor into future tales. I’m looking forward to seeing his arc. And the villains continue to be wicked and resourceful, which adds to the tension of the plot.
All in all, a solid installment.
Kenna finally embraces her faith and prays a lot in this book. What once was a subtle or nonexistent Christian message now takes center stage, almost to the point of distraction. Still, though sometimes the protagonist lacks agency, there is a lot of action.
Maisie is a primary character in this book, and she’s in danger again, which sets back her recovery. My heart broke for her situation, but it was an opportunity to see how she and Kenna have evolved, especially because of each other. Jax and Stairns are back (always two of my favorites). There’s a new, morally gray character who will factor into future tales. I’m looking forward to seeing his arc. And the villains continue to be wicked and resourceful, which adds to the tension of the plot.
All in all, a solid installment.
August 30, 2023
Dust and Ashes is a quite intense and riveting thriller. Kenna and Jax are being hold in a compound in Mexico. Kenna has to figure out how to escape without getting killed by the cartel who are holding them captive and hope that Stairns and Maize would be able to rescue them.
Lisa Phillips sure knows how to write a page-turning, attention-grabbing thriller. With rival cartels, a FBI agent from Kenna's time at the FBI said to have gone rogue, not knowing if Jax would survive, revenge, a missing child, a killer, twists and turns, and more, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat. It was great seeing Kenna making a faith decision after hitting rock bottom and I look forward to seeing how she grows spiritually.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lisa Phillips sure knows how to write a page-turning, attention-grabbing thriller. With rival cartels, a FBI agent from Kenna's time at the FBI said to have gone rogue, not knowing if Jax would survive, revenge, a missing child, a killer, twists and turns, and more, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat. It was great seeing Kenna making a faith decision after hitting rock bottom and I look forward to seeing how she grows spiritually.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 13, 2023
Fasten seatbelt
Kenna and Jax are kidnapped & held in a cartel compound in Mexico that is run by American traitors. They are also in competition with a local cartel run by El Falcon. The two entities keep kidnapping Kenna back & forth and meantime torturing Jax. Things start to really get intense when Stairns and Maizie show up to rescue Kenna & Jax, and then the evil sheriff shows up & kidnaps Maizie. There are fake FBI agents and how do you know who to trust? It's enough to keep your heart in Afib, for sure. Can't wait for the next adventure. The sheriff is now dead, but what about the serial killer who is still out there?
Kenna and Jax are kidnapped & held in a cartel compound in Mexico that is run by American traitors. They are also in competition with a local cartel run by El Falcon. The two entities keep kidnapping Kenna back & forth and meantime torturing Jax. Things start to really get intense when Stairns and Maizie show up to rescue Kenna & Jax, and then the evil sheriff shows up & kidnaps Maizie. There are fake FBI agents and how do you know who to trust? It's enough to keep your heart in Afib, for sure. Can't wait for the next adventure. The sheriff is now dead, but what about the serial killer who is still out there?
June 29, 2025
Kenya's promise to protect Masks turns into a real job for everyone in her group!
Great read. Kenna and Jax take an initial beating which lands Jax in the hospital under life support. Kenna and her team get taken to Mexico by a crime boss working against a cartel bods trying to take his empire. Kenna is abused and roughed up many times over and eventually rescued by the cartel leader. The situation gets Mailed kidnapped and the situation only goes from bad to worse. Trying to get Masks is the center of the story and the team is hurt. Really great storyline.
Great read. Kenna and Jax take an initial beating which lands Jax in the hospital under life support. Kenna and her team get taken to Mexico by a crime boss working against a cartel bods trying to take his empire. Kenna is abused and roughed up many times over and eventually rescued by the cartel leader. The situation gets Mailed kidnapped and the situation only goes from bad to worse. Trying to get Masks is the center of the story and the team is hurt. Really great storyline.
November 7, 2023
Kenna and Jax find themselves in danger in Mexico after being kidnapped in DC. Kenna holds her own as she strives to keep herself and Jax alive as they tangle with the Mexican cartel.
The action is off the charts in the latest Brand of Justice story. Seatbelts are suggested as Kenna leans on God to bring Jax and her through this latest challenge. I’m not sure I want to visit Mexico anytime soon after reading this. Another winner from Lisa Phillips.
I received an advanced reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
The action is off the charts in the latest Brand of Justice story. Seatbelts are suggested as Kenna leans on God to bring Jax and her through this latest challenge. I’m not sure I want to visit Mexico anytime soon after reading this. Another winner from Lisa Phillips.
I received an advanced reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
September 9, 2024
I am on book 7 now of this series. I wonder how much physical damage the characters can continue to survive! I liked Ramon's character and was not surprised that he does all the good that things that he did. I keep waiting for Jax and Kenna to have more of a relationship. Kenna's emotions are well drawn, and Maizie is such a strong character.
I appreciate the challenge that the author met in keeping all the sub-plots in mind from book to book.
I appreciate the challenge that the author met in keeping all the sub-plots in mind from book to book.
November 9, 2023
Devoured this in about a day after it came out after the cliffhanger from the previous book. Loads of action in this one - more so than some of the previous books. A couple of minor inconsistencies that made me think twice (book 5 ended with Kenna not having her shoes+tracker and she had her shoes to start this book), but nothing that was major to the plot. Looking forward to what comes next!
November 10, 2023
The last book ended on a cliffhanger, so I have been eagerly waiting for this one. And it was worth the wait. It seemed to me that this one was even more suspenseful and had more action and tense moments than the rest of the series. Seriously, I couldn't put it down. I'll admit I wasn't sure about this series at first, but it just gets better with each book that comes out.
November 11, 2023
jax and kenna are kidnapped in dc but she wakes up in Mexico. this is a edge of your seat page turning story. they are with the cartel and bad things are going on if you like suspense you will want to read the story this is in a series but it is a very good story. and it is scary to think that this is really going on in the country. looking forward to the next book
November 19, 2023
If you have nothing else to do.
Because once you start reading this book you will have to keep reading. Kenna will grab your heart once again. She will end up solving 2 important delimas, one about her eternal life. The second on which is an ongoing journey with Maize and Jax. Then enters an intriguing new character that we definitely not seen the last of, Ramon!
Because once you start reading this book you will have to keep reading. Kenna will grab your heart once again. She will end up solving 2 important delimas, one about her eternal life. The second on which is an ongoing journey with Maize and Jax. Then enters an intriguing new character that we definitely not seen the last of, Ramon!
March 1, 2025
Awesome
This series keeps me intrigued! We know all things are possible with God, but sometimes we think we are not worthy of being a beloved of God. That’s where Faith is! Brand of Justice truly brings the weary, the abused, the downtrodden to the forefront! Amazing heroine and her family by choice!
This series keeps me intrigued! We know all things are possible with God, but sometimes we think we are not worthy of being a beloved of God. That’s where Faith is! Brand of Justice truly brings the weary, the abused, the downtrodden to the forefront! Amazing heroine and her family by choice!
November 10, 2023
action packed
Kenna doesn’t know the word can’t. All that she has gone through and the injuries she has does not stop. Then Maisie, oh this teenager broke my heart along with Jax and Stairns. I promise once you start reading there is no stopping.
Kenna doesn’t know the word can’t. All that she has gone through and the injuries she has does not stop. Then Maisie, oh this teenager broke my heart along with Jax and Stairns. I promise once you start reading there is no stopping.
November 11, 2023
Intense!
There is no stopping of action in this book. Did not want to put it down, not end! This author knows how to build suspense, weave in many different relationships. Have pre ordered the next bok!
There is no stopping of action in this book. Did not want to put it down, not end! This author knows how to build suspense, weave in many different relationships. Have pre ordered the next bok!
November 11, 2023
Exciting
Lisa Phillips did it again with book 6 in Brand of Justice. This book was exciting from the beginning to end. The characters in the book are very well written. Thank you, Lisa.
Lisa Phillips did it again with book 6 in Brand of Justice. This book was exciting from the beginning to end. The characters in the book are very well written. Thank you, Lisa.
December 15, 2023
Great Story
Great Story and characters.
Full of action and plot twists...
Part of the story deals with human trafficking.... It hinted at some of what happens to the victims without being too graphic..
Definitely recommend the series.
Great Story and characters.
Full of action and plot twists...
Part of the story deals with human trafficking.... It hinted at some of what happens to the victims without being too graphic..
Definitely recommend the series.
March 5, 2024
I always enjoy reading about Kenna and her adventures.
I always enjoy reading about Kenna and her adventures. Lisa Phillips can pack more action into one book than anyone else I know.
I always enjoy reading about Kenna and her adventures. Lisa Phillips can pack more action into one book than anyone else I know.
March 14, 2024
Good story!
I’m enjoying the continuing story of Kenna. This one was different. Kenna was put through so much, but the ending made me happy and yet sad at the same time. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I’m enjoying the continuing story of Kenna. This one was different. Kenna was put through so much, but the ending made me happy and yet sad at the same time. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
July 5, 2024
Gritty
This has been a gritty series and not for the faint of heart. If you are victim of human trafficking I don’t recommend this book. I waited until I was done teaching before I started this book. It is a great series and the edgiest Christian fiction I’ve ever read.
This has been a gritty series and not for the faint of heart. If you are victim of human trafficking I don’t recommend this book. I waited until I was done teaching before I started this book. It is a great series and the edgiest Christian fiction I’ve ever read.
December 6, 2024
Wow- Dust and Ashes hits the ground running and never lets up. Lisa Phillips delivers one power packed punch after another. I love seeing the growth of Kenna's character and her relationship with Maizie and Jax. I cannot wait to read what's next.
December 31, 2024
Riveting
I loved following Kenna again. Maybe beside her would better describe how I feel reading this book. It will be a book you can’t put down because just when you thought you knew what would happen next you’re thrown a curve ball! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I loved following Kenna again. Maybe beside her would better describe how I feel reading this book. It will be a book you can’t put down because just when you thought you knew what would happen next you’re thrown a curve ball! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
March 8, 2025
Wild
This book is a wild ride. Could not put it down. I had a difficult time getting through the first few books jn this series but this book and the last one caught my attention. Fun
This book is a wild ride. Could not put it down. I had a difficult time getting through the first few books jn this series but this book and the last one caught my attention. Fun
April 23, 2025
Will Jax and Kenna make it out alive?
Kenna is many things but a turncoat? No way, if she helped you she isn’t going to betray you, but what if it’s the only way for her to survive?
Her new found faith in God might not be enough to help her this time or will it?
Kenna is many things but a turncoat? No way, if she helped you she isn’t going to betray you, but what if it’s the only way for her to survive?
Her new found faith in God might not be enough to help her this time or will it?
October 16, 2025
Dust and Ashes
Absolutely brilliant!!!!!! Oh what a roller coaster ride. An absolute page turner to keep you going for hours. Kenna is an amazing character and I love how her friends rally round to help.
Absolutely brilliant!!!!!! Oh what a roller coaster ride. An absolute page turner to keep you going for hours. Kenna is an amazing character and I love how her friends rally round to help.
November 10, 2023
I loved the suspense in this book.
November 16, 2023
My favorite of the series...so far anyway.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews