Riders of the Pale Horse

by T. Davis Bunn

This fast-paced novel takes the world to the brink of destruction when fundamentalist Islamic terrorists get their hands on nuclear materials.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Mystery, Novels

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Also writes under the names Thomas Locke and Davis Bunn.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chilling thrill ride that makes you consider the future of our planet...especially when you consider everything that has happened since this book's publication over two decades ago.

[Julianne Witmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of adventure and intrigue with a hint of romance.
I learned a lot about the Middle East and the complexity of the conflict there. My only criticism was I felt the ending was rushed and there were many loose ends.

[Sylvia · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I finished this book, I asked myself: do I regret that I read it? The answer is: no, but I would never re-read it. Not that I don't like spy novels, but I found this one weak and unattractive.
The main characters have no real depth and don't develop themselves, except that they fall in love with each other.
Parts of the story come out of thin air without any connection with the rest of the story. At the end the plot becomes even worse and the ending is terrible.

What I liked was the descriptions of the different landscapes that form the backdrop of the story, although I doubt if the author really has seen the countries that play a part in the story he is presenting in his book.

The frequent reference to religious belief and comparing christian faith with Islamic faith was annoyed. Those parts I've read quickly, because they were irrelevant to the whole story.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very descriptive of parts of the world unknown or rarely seen by the West. From Russia to the Middle East and so much in between. The male main character persistently seeks to right wrongs, trust God and provide comfort to the hurting. As with most truly altruistic individuals, it gets him into a lot of trouble. The story takes us from missionary work to terrorist intrigue.

[Cookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great lead-in to the main story. Then dropped me like a rock. I really have become a fan of the author’s books. But this one, while clearly and obviously sounding the nuclear alarm, was disappointing in the ending. Enjoyed it right up to the bitter end, BUT…

[PrincessPolly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weak characterizations. Wade was too good to be true. Allison did almost nothing to uncover the terrorists she came to uncover, seems like Ben was the one who knew everything and didn't bother to pass anything on to her...really hard to follow. Couldn't get the point of it at all.

[Godly Gadfly · Rating 2 out of 5]

No more books by Bunn for me. (2 stars)

This is the last book from this author I’ll be reading. It’s not engaging at all, and the characters and plot weren’t immediately clear. It's boring and confusing, and became a quick DNF (Did Not Finish) - which is rare for me.

[Pat Raab · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual setting and time in history with intriguing characterisation. Deeply insightful and totally engrossing.

[Shari Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. The ending was like "wow!" Wish he would write a sequel. Want to know what happens with these wonderful characters!

[Melody Sanders-Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging characters and story, but there was no closure to the story. It just ended in the middle of the action.

[Michelle Mohring · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written in the 90s but the subject matter is still current. Could not put it down. It's the old exciting T. Davis Bunn before he started writing weird new age content.

[Ginni Brinkley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off well, setting the scene in the ex-Russian badlands - Georgia, South Ossetia, Chechnya - 20+ years ago. I found the interplay interesting in light of more recent issues with Russia, Georgia and South Ossetia too.

There's a lot of detail early on, and a well woven story introducing the characters of Wade, Rogue and the chorus of Russians, S Ossetians etc. The horrible truck journeys, with lots of storyline, take the majority of the book. Allison's bits are just a little meh.

Then suddenly, bam. The last few chapters barrel along in Jordan, as if the author had something better to do and just wanted to get the book finished. Detail was left behind, action was dampened, and the ending was incomprehensible (Wade's reasoning, and the speed with which Rogue was tippexed out of the story ending) and so very weak. The climax of the story was as disappointing as a damp box of fireworks.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read that gave me a lot to reflect on. Not one of my favorite books by this author but may have one of my favorite characters in Wade Waters. His ability to listen and care for others is something to strive for. One of the best depictions in the book is Wade's ability to live out his faith with out feeling a need to beat people over the head with his beliefs.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book that strangely highlights issues that we face today, even though this book was written many years ago... moves nicely, characters developed well, I felt that the end was rushed a little....

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I would have given this book a higher rating if I knew more history about all the Russian and Middle Eastern countries and their politics, religious wars and changing borders! Shame on me. I know the overall picture of Christian persecution and rising Islamic Fundamentalism.

[Chucky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the book until about the last 3 chapters. At that point it got a little goofy. The ending was possibly the worst I've ever read. Aside from a horrible ending, it seemed as if he grew tired of writing & simply chopped it off. I was completely disappointed & left unsatisfied.

[Whitney White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not one of Bunn's better books, in my opinion. It was rather confusing at the beginning with all the different characters and locations. However, I did begin to enjoy it after I got halfway through, and it is a good book.

[Traewilder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love this author, but this is not my favorite book. Very, very confusingly written. Far too much detailed description; not enough plot.

[Tulsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd read...after a decade?

[Nick Woodall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good novel about Islam vs. Christianity. Action-packed and you will love the characters.