The Third Peril

by L.P. Hoffman

In 1777, General George Washington experienced a divine visitation at Valley Forge.“Three great perils will come upon this nation.”An angelic being describes the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, but warns, “The Third Peril will be the worst.” Today, this message is revisited. Five-year-old Connor Hays, son of the Chief Economic Advisor to the President of the United States, insists that an angel told him, “War is coming to America!” But who will believe a child?

421 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2013

About the author

The L. P. Hoffman award-winning brand is literary fiction—using mystery and suspense to write about culturally relevant, sometimes controversial, issues—written from a multiple third-person viewpoint with a braided plot chain that propels the reader through the story. Literary-fiction novels by L. P. Hoffman include The Canaan Creed, Shadow of the Piper, The Third Peril Trilogy: The Third Peril, The Third Woe, and The Third Day.

From her Grandfather’s tales about Buffalo Bill to the mystique of the West, L. P. Hoffman’s imagination was primed at an early age. In her transient childhood, she experienced the dark side of Caribbean culture and survived war in the Middle East. As an adult, the author has traveled the world and moved among Washington insiders. L. P. Hoffman values unique perspectives and believes that culturally relevant stories born of experience are the ones best told.

Reviews

[Venus Smurf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a FirstReads giveaway, and when I read the summary, I thought it looked fairly interesting but wasn't necessarily something I'd normally read. I'm so glad I had the chance to expand my horizons. L.P. Hoffman did an amazing job with this story. It was fascinating, perfectly paced, and the characters seemed achingly real after only a few chapters. I haven't read a book that's absorbed me this much in a very long time. It was beautifully written.

It was also surprisingly poignant. The book's summary speaks of a little boy who sees angels, but the story wasn't really about that. It was more about people, regular people with regular problems, the kind that go about their daily lives showing the sort of quiet compassion and faith that turn ordinary men and women into angels on earth. It's about the choices of individuals, the way we're all connected and the differences just one of us can make. This book had bar fights and explosions and murders, but I'd still categorize it as a feel-good book, and one I'm glad I had the chance to read.

[Zoeytron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keep your eyes peeled for a little old man by the name of Zeke. He has a long mane of flowing white hair and a wild beard and will be driving an old Rambler station wagon with a seemingly bottomless gas tank. He affects brightly colored Hawaiian shirts and baggy shorts. If you are lucky enough to run into him, he will make your day brighter!

This genre is not my typical reading fare, but I won it through first-reads and wanted to give it a fair shake. The platitudes are (ahem!) blessedly kept to a minimum. The harshest words you will come across are "Cripes!" and "Darn!" - a plus for some readers, not necessarily for everyone. The characters are just plain folks, living their lives, doing the right thing more often than not. Even so, it did not come off as particularly sappy, which I appreciated. Shoot, (a variation on the theme!), it even kept my interest. A pretty good story, all things considered.

[Josh Andrzejewski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was thoroughly interesting. I really enjoyed the interconnected web of characters linked together by the divinely-guided Zeke. I have never encountered a story quite like this before so I was enraptured by its novelty. Although the book is inherently a fusion of political and religious elements, it does not proselytize to the reader and is written with minimal political jargon. For some, this may be an issue but presumably the general reader will appreciate Hoffman's sparing them this abuse. The story itself is enough to keep a diverse set of readers interested but likely they will ask "Now what?" upon completion. I had been enjoying the book enough that I would have liked to know more about the response to this "third peril" in America. Aside from that I believe the related plotlines were sufficiently wrapped up, even if one's conclusions are somewhat left up to faith. I realize that Hoffman chose not to use profanity in the book, the dialogue in many situations called for some cursing. It would have produced a greater sense of tension in the reader during dramatic scenes. As it was, the substituted words like "darn" and "cripes" momentarily took me out of the story because they did not appear natural so dialogue ceased to flow. Although it is the author's choice, I believe that it is important to write characters as they would speak or act to make them truly legitimate. With Zeke following closely, I was most intrigued by Gordon Spitzer so I wish more time had been devoted to developing him. Even though he was only a minor character, he had the potential to serve as an infuriatingly ambiguous character but the wide scope of the novel prevented him from receiving the attention he deserved. All together "The Third Peril" was a very enjoyable book. Although it certainly leaves some to be desired, I found myself reaching for it again and again until there was no more.

[Tamra LeValley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An angel dressed as an old man wearing shorts and a Hawaiian shirt visits several people in order to prepare them for the coming invasion of America.

I loved this book. It was not an action packed thriller but a set up for more to come. It kept my interest to the last page and I cannot wait to read more.

The characters where written so well that I could actually have known them in real life. Each one of them, whether you liked them or not, had a certain flair and detail that made you instantly connect with them. the plot was so fantastic that it could also really happen.Scary but true!!

I am looking for the authors book "Shadow of the Piper" in kindle version but am unable to find it. I am also looking for the next installment of this book. HELP ME!!

This is a book that will not disappoint any reader. One review comment on the lack of curse word used in this book and that it made it seem unreal. I will have respectfully disagree with that reviewer. This book did NOT need any curse words to get its point across.

Goodreads Giveaway Book

[Viv Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I won my copy of this book via a giveaway hosted by Goodreads.

I had entered this drawing for the same reason as I had for The Leviathan Effect so that I could see if it would be money well spent to purchase a copy for a friend that I knew would enjoy this if it was a good read. I had not anticipated enjoying this book. It centers around 3 things I usually avoid when electing my reading material: war/politics, semi/national apocalypse, and God. I avoid these things because more often than not I will stumble across something in the book that offends me in some way. Not so with this book. There were things that outraged me yes but not AT the author but rather on behalf of the heroines/heroes in this tale. Not only did I enjoy this book but I devoured it. I will most definitely purchase a copy for my friend!

[Jjudyfl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this title from Goodreads.
I LOVED this book!
The characters are interesting and likeable - scatterred across various points of the US. Thomas Atwood is the US president, who must handle a VERY DIFFERENT kind of threat to the country.
Brady Hays is his Economic Advisor, and father to young son, Connor, who hears an Angel tell him that there will be a war. Surely the kid must be nuts.
I am hesitant that I might give away too much of this story... which KEPT my attention, and I happily suggest it to readers of ALL types.
This is, I promise you, a book for our times.

[Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I didn't know what to expect, but it sounded like a good book (which I received free through Goodreads First Reads), so I gave it a try. And it was awesome! Although it was too bad what Lindsay did to Nora. I liked the way you went back and forth to the different parts of the country and how it was all connected. I liked all of the characters! If there was a sequel to this book, I would read it! I want to read more about the mysterious (angel)Zeke! I want to read more about all of the characters! Thanks again for the opportunity to read a really great book!!! I look forward to giving your other books a try! Keep doing what you're doing! Thanks!!!

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway, and I must say that this book IS a winner. I enjoyed the characters. Zeke was fun and wise, but don't think he was in the story enough. He appeared everywhere in the story, but I would have preferred to spend more time with him. My only disappointment was the fact that the story did have to wrap up and come to an end. I wanted to give this five stars, but I can't say this book is amazing. I did really like it, though, and I am glad I got a chance to read it. I know I won this book, but I would have paid money to read it. It could have benefited from one more proofread. I think I spotted three typographical errors.

[Melissa B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Although I probably wouldn't have purchased this book, I found it very interesting - and thought provoking. I agree with George Washington's words, and can agree with the consequences of not complying.
The characters are believable; everyday people with everyday problems and emotions. The intertwining of characters and storylines is interesting to say the least. I had a hard time putting it down, the story drew me in.
I heartily recommend this book, and will be reading more by this author

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in firstreads giveaway. Firstly thank you for L.P.Hoffmen for giving me te chance to read in this genre, I have not done as far but this book was intriqing and amazing story about cival war. The story seemed so real like I was their with the characters every step they took. i liked all the characters also. Some very nice and not so nice moment's in the story.It was an excellent read and I will be expanding my book's in this genre from now on. I read this book in one setting as I needed to read the end. I reccommend anyone to read it.

[Sheila Paigly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on a goodreads giveaway.

I enjoyed reading this book. It is well written with several interesting characters. The characters are all scattered across the United Stated living their separate lives but are connected to each other in more than one way. The most interesting link between the characters is a man named Zeke who has a long white bead and travels across the country wearing Hawaiian shirts.

This is a novel about faith and patriotism. I hope that a sequel to The Third Peril is written, because I would love to read it.

[Javajeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Third Peril was a real page turner. This is my second read from L.P. Hoffman. Her ability to craft realistic folks in a familiar world is some of the better characterizations I've read recently. Her ability to weave events into fiction are fantastic, drawing you into the world, making you interested in the characters and their well-being. Top that off with a Christian approach and the book is a great read and encouraging one in the faith.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I would like to say that I won this book free and clear from Goodreads.com. May not have bought this book but since I won it - I read it and enjoyed the heck out it.
An unusual book to say the least. Not what I expected but glad the outcome (reading the book) turned out on a postive note. Mixing the political and Religious elements made it and interesting read.
I should read more of L.P. Hoffman's books.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was actually a fast read for how any pages it has. While the description made me expect a historical fiction book in George Washington's time, the book actually takes place in current day. There have been two wars on US soil so far and this book tells of the beginning of the third. This a good book that has both patriotism and faith in the lives of all the characters. I received a copy through Goodreads First Reads.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank You goodreads as I won the third peril on goodreads giveaways. I didn't really know what to expect from this book but I am so glad that I read it. It was a very realistic book with realistic characters. If you pick this book up you will not be disappointed, I am really hoping there will be a second book.

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who is going to believe a five-year-old who insists an angel told him that America will soon be at war. Connor's father is the Chief Economic Advisor to the President. There are natural disasters, economic crises, political opposition and uneasy alliances tearing the nation apart. America is ripe for picking.

A nation divided will fall.

[Maria Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written book, didn't know what to expect at fist, but has I got into the book . I was surprise. Couldn't put the book down. I got this book on goodreads giveaway. The Third Peril by LP Hoffman

[Seren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you goodreads. I won this book in a giveaway and I am so glad. I don't think I would have bought this book for myself as the summary is not something that would have hooked me, but I found it very enjoyable and have recommended it to many friends.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book :)

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book! It is a thriller that skips from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to present day. Definitely worth checking out!

[Lydia Sales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!! I really enjoyed how the characters were all intertwined together. Great job L.P. Hoffman you are three for three with amazing books!!!

[Kathleen Gardiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, Quite interesting, and very different from anything else I've read.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book, great characters. Totally sucked me in. Won via Goodreads Giveaway.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.

Enjoyable historical fiction.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into this book, but after the first few chapters I was hooked. I became enthralled with the diverse ways all of the main characters in the book intertwined. Definitely written in a different style, the author takes you all across the nation alternating from Arizona to North Dakota to Virginia to Florida. Through all the turmoil and confusion of the days and nights that affect the lives displayed in this book, the author skillfully shows that God can and does bring peace in the midst of the storm. I was honored to receive this book from the author in a Goodreads giveaway. I had never read anything by this author before but will definitely be reading the rest of the books in this series and any other books by L.P. Hoffman that I can.

[Len · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received my copy via a Goodreads giveaway.

This is a fine, fun 'apocalyptic' story.

While the dialog is slightly heavy-handed, the plot carries the characters.

The title is part of a trilogy; reading them together is recommended.

[ally ¯\(ツ)/¯ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway.
This is not the kind of book that I would pick up, but the description seemed interesting, so I entered to win. The description of the book is misleading as the story really doesn't focus on “The Peril”. It focuses on a group of characters that are related but I found I could not relate to. The book itself seemed to me more filler than content and at times I struggled to stay interested. I forced myself to finish the book as I do like what Firstreads is all about.
Although the writing is descriptive, I often found it to be quite bland. The author rambles a lot and I wonder how much planning went into the layout of the story. The publisher’s layout is odd as well, there are many pages left blank in the book and I there is a grammatical error on page 200 (“Are telling me this kind of tragedy occurs often?” David asked)
Certain events in the book I find implausible, for example, Connor is supposed to be napping. Paige finds him missing and instantly comes to the conclusion he has run down to a river a half mile away. She runs to the river, and he is there.
Overall I found this book challenging. I couldn't stay focused, I often skimmed pages due to lack of interest.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, much thanks to Goodreads and L.P. Hoffman for the free book.

I would never have picked this as a giveaway had it not intrigued me. I'll say flat out, I think I was overly biased. I think I viewed everything with a jaundiced eye. Nevertheless, I will explain my thoughts.

Ultimately, this came off as kind of an Aesop's Fable. I was expecting an all out brawl, nation to nation: threat, attack, recovery... I received almost none of that.

Not that that means this was a bad book. It does mean that it was advertised poorly. By all means, it appears to be about the coming crisis, but it is more about the people and their lives leading up to said crisis.

I'd be a lot happier with that if I thought this book lent itself to a sequel. Not very likely with an epilogue.

If I have any complaints about the writing, it is that the characters come off as a bit contrived.... Maybe too... stereotypical? (Flat out, Paige pisses me off, maybe even more so that she's the first fleshed character.)

Overall, I like the book but I can't hide that would prefer to see more from it.

[Dana Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book!! Liked how all the storylines came together.