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Initiation
The enormity of the world’s wickedness was something that weighed on Shiloh’s shoulders, as though she should be the one to answer personally for all the grief in the world. Maybe it was because she should, having been a member of those responsible for inflicting suffering on others for so long.
It’s been three years since Shiloh Weiss escaped the Celsus Dios Order, a secret society that controls the world’s wealthy, famous, and powerful.
No one escaped the CDO. Not alive anyway. Shiloh knows she serves the God of Impossible Things, but she realizes that the freedom she has found may not last for long.
Shiloh soon makes a shocking she has a brother who is being coerced into joining the same organization. This revelation leaves her facing an impossible decision.
Escaping the CDO herself was nothing less than a miracle. But getting someone else out? Impossible.
Or is it?
Get Samuel. Get out. Never come back.
It’s been three years since Shiloh Weiss escaped the Celsus Dios Order, a secret society that controls the world’s wealthy, famous, and powerful.
No one escaped the CDO. Not alive anyway. Shiloh knows she serves the God of Impossible Things, but she realizes that the freedom she has found may not last for long.
Shiloh soon makes a shocking she has a brother who is being coerced into joining the same organization. This revelation leaves her facing an impossible decision.
Escaping the CDO herself was nothing less than a miracle. But getting someone else out? Impossible.
Or is it?
Get Samuel. Get out. Never come back.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2024
3 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 5, 2025
5 stars!!! THAT WAS AMAZING!!!
"I am fueled on scripture and sarcasm alone today, and maybe like four cups of coffee."
Have you even started a book and within the first chapter just knew it was going to be 5 stars? That was me with this book.
I started this book on a whim because I had 20 minutes before I was about to get on an airplane and I had read a quote from the author's instagram from the sequel that made me want to read both books. I had plans to read a different book on the plane, but I could not stop thinking about the beginning of the book as I was boarding so I ended up reading it straight through the whole flight. I read the book in under 24 hours.
Plot:
“Get in. Get Samuel. Never Come Back.”
I went into this book completely blind in terms of the plot. But the whole plot concept immediately sucked me in. This book isn't listed with any genres in goodreads but personally I would call it dystopian. The first chapter starts off talking about government restrictions and secret organizations that control the wealthy and famous.
I loved that the story had the perspective of a character that was new to this world of the secret society and then a character that grew up with that because it created two really interesting perspectives. At the beginning of the book Samuel is recruited to join the Celsus Dios Order, he ends up joining to keep his family safe. Shiloh reenters the order after having escaped three years ago in order to help get Samuel out. Although there was a lot going on with the action at most times, I loved that we got to really focus on the characters and their journeys and really look at how all of the action was affecting them. It was the perfect balance between action and characters.
I also loved how character deaths were dealt with. I loved how much the characters were affected by that because I feel like oftentimes in dystopian or fantasy books when a side character dies that the reader doesn’t know very much it kind of gets glossed over and so I appreciated it that's not how this book handled those moments.
I loved the writing style!! it was so easy to read and yet was so quotable at the same time. I seriously have so many highlights in this book, it's a bit crazy lolll
It did feel like the story kind of ended and then the last thirty pages felt lik we started a bit into the next book to get the hook and a cliffhanger which while that felt a little bit odd, it did make me want to pick up the sequel way more with where the book actually ended versus where I was expecting it to end.
Characters
Shiloh – oh my gosh she is seriously one of my favorite characters ever!!!!! I just loved her. She is a messianic jew and her faith is such an important and beautiful part of the story. I loved how she talked about her relationship with God and even though there were slight discrepancies between what I believe and what Shiloh believes, I felt like this book did an amazing job of exploring what the faith is like for people that have been through really hard things and that don't always look like the picture perfect Christian. Shiloh is very much an introvert, she deflects with sarcasm, such a strong character, but at the same time it’s beautiful how much she will do for someone else, how selfless she is.
I loved watching her wrestle with how much should she do for someone she just met or how important is it not to compromise her values. She wrestles a lot with her past through this book. She was a part of the CDO for most of her life but managed to escape three years ago. She takes on the seemingly impossible mission to reenter the CDO to help Samuel get out. She spends quite a bit of the book wrestling with how to do that and how to make her former leaders trust her again without compromising her values. She became a believer after she left.
There were several moments through Shiloh’s story arc that I teared up because things were relatable or touched me and I can't remember the last time I loved a female main character this much!!! I think Samuel sums who she is best, “Shiloh came off as harsh to many, but he knew already she was the kindest person he ever met. She was adorned with a captivating authenticity that he had yet to figure out. Her moral values challenged society's standards of goodness.”
Samuel – he’s an amazing character too! My favorite part about Samuel was how much he loves music. He is a musician and I loved how it was described that like music lived in him and that was his strength and then when things got hard and the music wasn't there for him it was just such a beautiful analogy for how hard things got in the CDO the secret society/cult. I also loved how he began to search for the faith after meeting Shiloh and starts to wrestle with what he believes. Samuel is much more outgoing and a people person than Shiloh and I loved that they both come to value the differences and similarities in each other
Jackson - we didn't get to see much of this character but I really enjoyed him as a side character he had some great moments helping Shiloh and Samuel, and I felt like he was a well developed side character, even though he didn't show up often he still felt like a well-rounded person.
Grey - he was certainly one of the most fascinating characters. I didn’t know whether to trust him or not for most of the story and I just really liked his story arc and I hope we get to see more of him in the sequel! I always have a soft spot for characters that seem so cold and strong but also for some hidden reason seem to care more than they should. (Potentially because I've written a character like that, who knows.)
In conclusion I absolutely loved this book and I highly highly recommend!!! Now onto book two!!!!
Oh you’re still here? If you need any more convincing here are some of my favorite quotes.
"But being the source of someone else's sanity became a burden when she was barely clinging to her own."
"But her strength was failing her. Her mind was her own worst enemy at times. Right now, it raged a full-on war."
“He tried desperately to find a melody somewhere inside, something to calm his mind. Something to make this better. To comfort him. The music was always there when he needed it. But instead, all he heard was Vincent's words echoing in his mind. Make the right decision.”
“She was not that perfect. She was not that carefree. She couldn't pretend everything was always fine. Maybe it was because she carried the weight of the things she had been through. She was too messed up to be untroubled.”
“Too much time had gone into unlearning her old habits. Too many tears were shed at the foot of the cross as she began to unravel from all her twistedness. She didn't want to fall into those old patterns. She still needed more space from her old self. Was she ever truly free? Or was it all an illusion? Maybe she had just convinced herself hiding out in her trailer was freedom.”
"I don't think I could afford not to. If there's no God, then I don't think I would have the will to live. There would be no hope."
“Where do you find your hope? He didn't know. He didn't know.”
"I don't need help," she said quickly. But that wasn't true. She didn't want help. It was safer doing things alone.
"I am fueled on scripture and sarcasm alone today, and maybe like four cups of coffee."
Have you even started a book and within the first chapter just knew it was going to be 5 stars? That was me with this book.
I started this book on a whim because I had 20 minutes before I was about to get on an airplane and I had read a quote from the author's instagram from the sequel that made me want to read both books. I had plans to read a different book on the plane, but I could not stop thinking about the beginning of the book as I was boarding so I ended up reading it straight through the whole flight. I read the book in under 24 hours.
Plot:
“Get in. Get Samuel. Never Come Back.”
I went into this book completely blind in terms of the plot. But the whole plot concept immediately sucked me in. This book isn't listed with any genres in goodreads but personally I would call it dystopian. The first chapter starts off talking about government restrictions and secret organizations that control the wealthy and famous.
I loved that the story had the perspective of a character that was new to this world of the secret society and then a character that grew up with that because it created two really interesting perspectives. At the beginning of the book Samuel is recruited to join the Celsus Dios Order, he ends up joining to keep his family safe. Shiloh reenters the order after having escaped three years ago in order to help get Samuel out. Although there was a lot going on with the action at most times, I loved that we got to really focus on the characters and their journeys and really look at how all of the action was affecting them. It was the perfect balance between action and characters.
I also loved how character deaths were dealt with. I loved how much the characters were affected by that because I feel like oftentimes in dystopian or fantasy books when a side character dies that the reader doesn’t know very much it kind of gets glossed over and so I appreciated it that's not how this book handled those moments.
I loved the writing style!! it was so easy to read and yet was so quotable at the same time. I seriously have so many highlights in this book, it's a bit crazy lolll
It did feel like the story kind of ended and then the last thirty pages felt lik we started a bit into the next book to get the hook and a cliffhanger which while that felt a little bit odd, it did make me want to pick up the sequel way more with where the book actually ended versus where I was expecting it to end.
Characters
Shiloh – oh my gosh she is seriously one of my favorite characters ever!!!!! I just loved her. She is a messianic jew and her faith is such an important and beautiful part of the story. I loved how she talked about her relationship with God and even though there were slight discrepancies between what I believe and what Shiloh believes, I felt like this book did an amazing job of exploring what the faith is like for people that have been through really hard things and that don't always look like the picture perfect Christian. Shiloh is very much an introvert, she deflects with sarcasm, such a strong character, but at the same time it’s beautiful how much she will do for someone else, how selfless she is.
I loved watching her wrestle with how much should she do for someone she just met or how important is it not to compromise her values. She wrestles a lot with her past through this book. She was a part of the CDO for most of her life but managed to escape three years ago. She takes on the seemingly impossible mission to reenter the CDO to help Samuel get out. She spends quite a bit of the book wrestling with how to do that and how to make her former leaders trust her again without compromising her values. She became a believer after she left.
There were several moments through Shiloh’s story arc that I teared up because things were relatable or touched me and I can't remember the last time I loved a female main character this much!!! I think Samuel sums who she is best, “Shiloh came off as harsh to many, but he knew already she was the kindest person he ever met. She was adorned with a captivating authenticity that he had yet to figure out. Her moral values challenged society's standards of goodness.”
Samuel – he’s an amazing character too! My favorite part about Samuel was how much he loves music. He is a musician and I loved how it was described that like music lived in him and that was his strength and then when things got hard and the music wasn't there for him it was just such a beautiful analogy for how hard things got in the CDO the secret society/cult. I also loved how he began to search for the faith after meeting Shiloh and starts to wrestle with what he believes. Samuel is much more outgoing and a people person than Shiloh and I loved that they both come to value the differences and similarities in each other
Jackson - we didn't get to see much of this character but I really enjoyed him as a side character he had some great moments helping Shiloh and Samuel, and I felt like he was a well developed side character, even though he didn't show up often he still felt like a well-rounded person.
Grey - he was certainly one of the most fascinating characters. I didn’t know whether to trust him or not for most of the story and I just really liked his story arc and I hope we get to see more of him in the sequel! I always have a soft spot for characters that seem so cold and strong but also for some hidden reason seem to care more than they should. (Potentially because I've written a character like that, who knows.)
In conclusion I absolutely loved this book and I highly highly recommend!!! Now onto book two!!!!
Oh you’re still here? If you need any more convincing here are some of my favorite quotes.
"But being the source of someone else's sanity became a burden when she was barely clinging to her own."
"But her strength was failing her. Her mind was her own worst enemy at times. Right now, it raged a full-on war."
“He tried desperately to find a melody somewhere inside, something to calm his mind. Something to make this better. To comfort him. The music was always there when he needed it. But instead, all he heard was Vincent's words echoing in his mind. Make the right decision.”
“She was not that perfect. She was not that carefree. She couldn't pretend everything was always fine. Maybe it was because she carried the weight of the things she had been through. She was too messed up to be untroubled.”
“Too much time had gone into unlearning her old habits. Too many tears were shed at the foot of the cross as she began to unravel from all her twistedness. She didn't want to fall into those old patterns. She still needed more space from her old self. Was she ever truly free? Or was it all an illusion? Maybe she had just convinced herself hiding out in her trailer was freedom.”
"I don't think I could afford not to. If there's no God, then I don't think I would have the will to live. There would be no hope."
“Where do you find your hope? He didn't know. He didn't know.”
"I don't need help," she said quickly. But that wasn't true. She didn't want help. It was safer doing things alone.
December 27, 2025
Well, this was an interesting story. I kinda feel like the characters had a mind of their own though. I mean, who ever saw that ending coming? Sheesh.
I am quite interested to know what will happen in the rest of the series. Unfortunately, I have to write it first. Boo.
I am quite interested to know what will happen in the rest of the series. Unfortunately, I have to write it first. Boo.
October 4, 2024
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I CONSUMED IT. INHALED IT. BREATHED IT.
YOU NAME IT.
The way Raven incorporated Yeshua the Messiah was beautiful! Hands. Down. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
I love Shiloh Weiss!! She’s a hilariously sarcastic, coffee-addicted protagonist who uses the fine line between bravery and recklessness like it’s a jump rope 🤣
Here are some of my favorite quotes of hers:
Jackson: "I thought an apple a day was supposed to keep the doctor away."
Shiloh: "Yeah, but only if you have good enough aim." 😏
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I am a ray of sarcastic sunshine, for your information."
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Shiloh: "I am fueled by scripture and sarcasm alone today."🫡
Tess: "And maybe four cups of coffee."😏
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Another thing I loved about Initiation is that it’s written in a dual POV! Seeing the plot unfold through Samuel’s eyes was a really cool reading experience!
Now, let’s talk about Grey Hyland, the morally gray (How fitting! 😆) son of the leader of the CDO.
Despite his loyalty to the CDO and his don’t-mess-with-me-or-i-will-kill-you personality, he seems to genuinely care for Shiloh! 👀👀👀
THAT ENDING THOUGH??? There’s nothing like a cliff hanger to make you want to find out how the rest of the story will play out!
I CONSUMED IT. INHALED IT. BREATHED IT.
YOU NAME IT.
The way Raven incorporated Yeshua the Messiah was beautiful! Hands. Down. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
I love Shiloh Weiss!! She’s a hilariously sarcastic, coffee-addicted protagonist who uses the fine line between bravery and recklessness like it’s a jump rope 🤣
Here are some of my favorite quotes of hers:
Jackson: "I thought an apple a day was supposed to keep the doctor away."
Shiloh: "Yeah, but only if you have good enough aim." 😏
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I am a ray of sarcastic sunshine, for your information."
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Shiloh: "I am fueled by scripture and sarcasm alone today."🫡
Tess: "And maybe four cups of coffee."😏
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Another thing I loved about Initiation is that it’s written in a dual POV! Seeing the plot unfold through Samuel’s eyes was a really cool reading experience!
Now, let’s talk about Grey Hyland, the morally gray (How fitting! 😆) son of the leader of the CDO.
Despite his loyalty to the CDO and his don’t-mess-with-me-or-i-will-kill-you personality, he seems to genuinely care for Shiloh! 👀👀👀
THAT ENDING THOUGH??? There’s nothing like a cliff hanger to make you want to find out how the rest of the story will play out!
February 4, 2025
This book was fast paced and full of action. I enjoyed following along with Shiloh’s journey as she embarked upon the mission to save Samuel from the CDO. Her conversations about God and faith felt real and the answers were sound. I found myself wanting to know the characters in real life. The action was not contrived. I am looking forward to the sequel.
July 9, 2025
"She was adorned with a captivating authenticity that he had yet to figure out."
best written book I’ve read this year yet. (Well, possibly tied with TBONA)
please read thisss! It has amazing faith content, dystopian-esque action, epic story, and AMAZING heart felt writing (like seriously I can't get over the writing)
best written book I’ve read this year yet. (Well, possibly tied with TBONA)
please read thisss! It has amazing faith content, dystopian-esque action, epic story, and AMAZING heart felt writing (like seriously I can't get over the writing)
September 24, 2024
This story hooked me right from the start! Raven Markov immediately set the stakes for her characters, which made me instantly invested in them, and the stakes only got higher as the story progressed. I loved how she wove her own faith into the story and made it such an important part of Shiloh's character. This book was riveting, intense, and the ending has me screaming for a sequel!
April 5, 2025
When a friend of mine told me about this book I was very surprised by the premise. A secret society, Messianic Judaism, and sci-fi all in one book? Needless to say I was intrigued, I’ve never heard of anything like it. I loved this book, and I’m looking forward to reading the next one!
March 24, 2025
I don’t often go out on a limb and purchase a hard copy before I read a book, but when I do I rarely regret it. This was no exception.
Initiation was mind-bogglingly well written! The introspective questioning structure, the way setting details are woven into the narrative, the emotional depth, are all appealing and make the story richer and more captivating.
I relate to Shiloh to an extreme (seriously, it’s like someone was spying on me and dropped me into a sci-fi setting coffee habit and all). 😂 Samuel too, but then, they’re similar. I always felt like I needed a twin; now I’m sure.
The theological aspect was refreshing, informative, relatable, and the presentation wasn’t off-putting in the least.
I totally bought the second book before I reached chapter five of this first one, knowing I wouldn’t want to wait to read it. 😂
Of course Raven ended it on a cliffhanger—agonizing as a reader, but a decision I would make as an author. 🤭
Content warnings: Violence, death, grief. Lots of tension, but nothing too gory. Language never goes beyond “dang.”
Initiation was mind-bogglingly well written! The introspective questioning structure, the way setting details are woven into the narrative, the emotional depth, are all appealing and make the story richer and more captivating.
I relate to Shiloh to an extreme (seriously, it’s like someone was spying on me and dropped me into a sci-fi setting coffee habit and all). 😂 Samuel too, but then, they’re similar. I always felt like I needed a twin; now I’m sure.
The theological aspect was refreshing, informative, relatable, and the presentation wasn’t off-putting in the least.
I totally bought the second book before I reached chapter five of this first one, knowing I wouldn’t want to wait to read it. 😂
Of course Raven ended it on a cliffhanger—agonizing as a reader, but a decision I would make as an author. 🤭
Content warnings: Violence, death, grief. Lots of tension, but nothing too gory. Language never goes beyond “dang.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2025
"I feel so miserable without you," Shiloh answered dryly. "It's almost like having you here."
😂😂😂😂
Thank you, Raven, for a witty, faith filled, wild ride! I can't wait for the next book. I MUST find out what happens next!
😂😂😂😂
Thank you, Raven, for a witty, faith filled, wild ride! I can't wait for the next book. I MUST find out what happens next!
September 28, 2025
I tore through the final ten chapters like my life depended on it. The pacing was relentless—in the best way—and the suspense had me feeling like I was watching an action movie. Everything coming down to minutes.
But this book isn’t just adrenaline and plot twists. It’s laced with sharp wit, coffee-fueled sarcasm, and deeply rooted faith.
“You look like you haven’t slept in a week.”
“I am fueled on scripture and sarcasm alone today.... And maybe like four cups of coffee.”
“Why do you pray?” Why did she pray? She laughed quietly at the strange question. Why did she breathe?
At the heart of it all is Shiloh—cool name by the way- after surviving the manipulative grip of the CDO, a cult-like organization that thrives on subtle control, she carved out a quiet life. But peace is fragile, and when family calls, Shiloh is pulled back into the shadows she once escaped. The stakes? Life and death. Literally.
What truly set this story apart for me was how seamlessly the faith themes were woven in. Shiloh’s reverence, her hunger for her heavenly Father, and the way her convictions shape her choices—it all felt authentic and powerful. Her spiritual journey isn’t preachy; it’s lived, breathed, and beautifully portrayed.
If you like YA action, faithful messages, secret organizations trying to take over the world, and sarcasm, then Raven Markov has a series you will love!
But this book isn’t just adrenaline and plot twists. It’s laced with sharp wit, coffee-fueled sarcasm, and deeply rooted faith.
“You look like you haven’t slept in a week.”
“I am fueled on scripture and sarcasm alone today.... And maybe like four cups of coffee.”
“Why do you pray?” Why did she pray? She laughed quietly at the strange question. Why did she breathe?
At the heart of it all is Shiloh—cool name by the way- after surviving the manipulative grip of the CDO, a cult-like organization that thrives on subtle control, she carved out a quiet life. But peace is fragile, and when family calls, Shiloh is pulled back into the shadows she once escaped. The stakes? Life and death. Literally.
What truly set this story apart for me was how seamlessly the faith themes were woven in. Shiloh’s reverence, her hunger for her heavenly Father, and the way her convictions shape her choices—it all felt authentic and powerful. Her spiritual journey isn’t preachy; it’s lived, breathed, and beautifully portrayed.
If you like YA action, faithful messages, secret organizations trying to take over the world, and sarcasm, then Raven Markov has a series you will love!
December 31, 2024
(Non-spoiler review)
As a fantasy reader, Raven Markov's "Initiation" was a breath of fresh air.
I enjoyed the characters, their internal struggles, and their unique aspects. I loved how different the characters' thought processes were! Samuel felt completely different than Shiloh, from how he saw the world down to the music floating around in his head. (And speaking of Samuel, can I just say how much I loved his POV? It was so unique and felt so smooth). In addition to this, I also enjoyed the witty humor evenly sprinkled throughout the story and Shiloh's sarcastic wisecracks.
Most of all, I loved the theme of hope and the way faith is interwoven throughout the story. Shiloh herself has struggles with her faith—and I love that it isn't perfect. Her imperfect faith is an inspiration to readers. In addition to this, it was a joy to see scripture finding its way into Markov's writing. As someone who shares the same faith as Shiloh, this book was such a pleasure to read.
Lastly... I absolutely loved Grey. Outside of the faith aspect of the story, he was one of my favorite parts <3
If you're looking for a good faith-inspired work that's fast-paced, witty, and truly in love with the Creator, look no further. Grab a cup of coffee (Shiloh will love you for it), take a deep breath, and jump on in. You won't regret it.
As a fantasy reader, Raven Markov's "Initiation" was a breath of fresh air.
I enjoyed the characters, their internal struggles, and their unique aspects. I loved how different the characters' thought processes were! Samuel felt completely different than Shiloh, from how he saw the world down to the music floating around in his head. (And speaking of Samuel, can I just say how much I loved his POV? It was so unique and felt so smooth). In addition to this, I also enjoyed the witty humor evenly sprinkled throughout the story and Shiloh's sarcastic wisecracks.
Most of all, I loved the theme of hope and the way faith is interwoven throughout the story. Shiloh herself has struggles with her faith—and I love that it isn't perfect. Her imperfect faith is an inspiration to readers. In addition to this, it was a joy to see scripture finding its way into Markov's writing. As someone who shares the same faith as Shiloh, this book was such a pleasure to read.
Lastly... I absolutely loved Grey. Outside of the faith aspect of the story, he was one of my favorite parts <3
If you're looking for a good faith-inspired work that's fast-paced, witty, and truly in love with the Creator, look no further. Grab a cup of coffee (Shiloh will love you for it), take a deep breath, and jump on in. You won't regret it.
November 27, 2024
Once I started this book, there was no putting it down. Initiation made me loose track of time and read all the way until morning.
.
It’s a story with a lot of action and intense pacing, but there is a reason for the action and it lies in the hopes, fears, and faith of an incredibly three-dimensional cast of characters. Oh my goodness, I absolutely loved the characters! The protagonist, Shiloh, is one of the best female characters I have read. And as a fluent speaker of sarcasm, it was wonderful to find a relatable character that speaks my language!
.
Another big part of why this is a five star review is how intrinsically God was a part of the story. The life-changing truth of Jesus’s gift of forgiveness is the life-blood of the book. 100% well-done!
.
One more thing that had me floored is the fact that this is a debut novel! It flows smoothly, the prose and dialogue are highly quotable, and when you get to the last page you miss the characters and can’t wait for book two!
.
I look forward to reading more works from Raven Markov in the future!
.
It’s a story with a lot of action and intense pacing, but there is a reason for the action and it lies in the hopes, fears, and faith of an incredibly three-dimensional cast of characters. Oh my goodness, I absolutely loved the characters! The protagonist, Shiloh, is one of the best female characters I have read. And as a fluent speaker of sarcasm, it was wonderful to find a relatable character that speaks my language!
.
Another big part of why this is a five star review is how intrinsically God was a part of the story. The life-changing truth of Jesus’s gift of forgiveness is the life-blood of the book. 100% well-done!
.
One more thing that had me floored is the fact that this is a debut novel! It flows smoothly, the prose and dialogue are highly quotable, and when you get to the last page you miss the characters and can’t wait for book two!
.
I look forward to reading more works from Raven Markov in the future!
October 18, 2025
I really didn't know what to expect with this book. But WOW! It is an epic debut by Raven Markov. I was immediately hooked into the plot as Samuel was forced to work for the CDO in order to protect his family. Then Shiloh joins the story and is informed that her twin brother is trapped with the evil group she already escaped. So she makes the hard decision and returns. But she doesn't fit in like she did before because she found Christ. There were so many unexpected things that happened. The characters are such fun to read about. I love Shiloh's sarcasm! I also loved the way Raven shared the Gospel in this story. You don't see it that much these days. Another thing...I'm very intrigued by the "bad guy" Grey. I'm hoping he's not actually bad, because he's interesting. And I also never fall for the bad guy. LOL. I'll be diving into the next book soon. I highly recommend you try this series!
September 26, 2025
This was interesting..
I am beginning to think,
the idea of a group of Rrck, powerful people,
who are not godly,
Do in fact,
grab many exceptional young kids,
ttand make them famous,
but also have them promote
their nefarious beliefs
( like the occult)..
and so this novel does a deep drive into that
and it's opposition Christian values...
However, for the not exceptional young folk
they do the same thing in public schools.
That was not addressed in this novel
I am just saying.
I liked the characters,
but was not fond of the ending
Oh well, I will read the next in the series.
I am beginning to think,
the idea of a group of Rrck, powerful people,
who are not godly,
Do in fact,
grab many exceptional young kids,
ttand make them famous,
but also have them promote
their nefarious beliefs
( like the occult)..
and so this novel does a deep drive into that
and it's opposition Christian values...
However, for the not exceptional young folk
they do the same thing in public schools.
That was not addressed in this novel
I am just saying.
I liked the characters,
but was not fond of the ending
Oh well, I will read the next in the series.
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