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Dark Zeal
In Dark Zeal, Book Five in the COIL Series, D.I. Telbat takes us into the heart and heat of Gaza, Israel. Agent Corban Dowler infiltrates Gaza City for a routine medical op, but soon discovers an international plot by Hamas terrorists to destroy Israel, forcing him to respond as a soldier of Christ.
Wounded and captured, Corban gathers his wits to attempt winning over greedy arms dealer Titus Caspertein in order to save Israel from destruction. Corban's mission is further complicated when UN humanitarian American Annette Sheffield is kidnapped and within reach, and he defies government orders to stage a rescue.
Meanwhile, Luigi Putelli, ex-assassin and family guardian, searches for his friend in war-torn Gaza City to offer his services once again. With Hamas militants closing in, and the Israeli Air Force targeting extremists, Corban calls in other operatives to help complete his mission, and prays they aren't all mistaken for terrorists.
Bullets and missiles are flying in this fifth book of the COIL Series, with cover art by Streetlight Graphics. Experience tunnels, drones, and the horrors of the Gaza war zone. But where darkness seems to thrive, God has placed His eternal light in the heart of faithful servant and bold spokesman, Corban Dowler. Join us for this continued Christian Suspense saga, and be reminded: there is no redemption without sacrifice.
Included: Bonus Chapter 1 of upcoming release, The Call to Gobi.
Wounded and captured, Corban gathers his wits to attempt winning over greedy arms dealer Titus Caspertein in order to save Israel from destruction. Corban's mission is further complicated when UN humanitarian American Annette Sheffield is kidnapped and within reach, and he defies government orders to stage a rescue.
Meanwhile, Luigi Putelli, ex-assassin and family guardian, searches for his friend in war-torn Gaza City to offer his services once again. With Hamas militants closing in, and the Israeli Air Force targeting extremists, Corban calls in other operatives to help complete his mission, and prays they aren't all mistaken for terrorists.
Bullets and missiles are flying in this fifth book of the COIL Series, with cover art by Streetlight Graphics. Experience tunnels, drones, and the horrors of the Gaza war zone. But where darkness seems to thrive, God has placed His eternal light in the heart of faithful servant and bold spokesman, Corban Dowler. Join us for this continued Christian Suspense saga, and be reminded: there is no redemption without sacrifice.
Included: Bonus Chapter 1 of upcoming release, The Call to Gobi.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
160 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
D.I. Telbat
55 books74 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 3, 2016
This is the last book in this COIL series. While it is rather sad that this current series must come to an end, all is not lost. Telbat has just published a follow on series, COIL Legacy. Everything continues from this series.
Every author strives to develop further their craft with each novel. Based on this, I would expect this last one to be the best. This is definitely the case with this volume. If Telbat was to stop writing with this novel, at least he would go out with a bang. He would leave his readers with one memorable and unforgettable series. They would have been entertained, their faith strengthened, God honoured, and a seed of faith planted or watered for others. Dare I say that this standard of writing and effects is now what I am expecting in this next series? I do not have any doubt about this. What seems to feed Telbat's development of his craft is his passion for the Gospel of Christ, the Great Commission and its associated mission field.
I must confess, that I did not have much of a passion for overseas missions before reading novles of this genre. Yet, it is the writings of this author and one other, Martin Roth, who has sparked in me an increasing awareness and passion for the mission field. It is these authors and their stories that keeps me coming back for more. I am finding that I thirst to see what God does in such dire circumstances that God places these characters in. It is here, that Roth and Telbat shine in showing this through their character's expressing their faith and submission to God. Is there a spiritual lesson here for all whether we are in a persecuted Christian environment or not? Definitely, and to this point, this is where Telbat and Roth are successful in Christian fiction. They both not only entertain but show the light of Christ, the power of prayer and how to be His obedient vessels to break the oppressive nature of those governments and military regimes that are hell bent on destroying the Gospel of Christ. What better place for this spiritual war to start than with those who have placed their faith in this God?
I found this volume to be one enthralling and compelling read. In one sense it felt like Telbat had brought many character plots and relationships from previous novels into a head in this one. It was great seeing the continuing relationship beteen Dowler and Luigi Putelli continue. The latter's quest for God has had me almost praying for his salvation, despite knowing he is just a fictional character! I cried at his demise, feeling both the sadness and grief of Dowler over this and that Putelli had to suffer as he did. Yet, Telbat tempers this with the knowledge that his suffering and quest to know God was not in vain. That was a comfort for Dowler and this reader!
I am glad also to see further development in the relationship between Nathan and Chen Li and that Nathan's secret is not a secret any more.This lends itself for future plot developments that I hope I will see in this next series. I cannot help but wonder if the demise of Dowler is also deliberate to expand/develop further plot lines in this new series and help take it to the next level.
With the introduction of a new major character, any review cannot leave out a mention of who this character is. Reading about Titus Caspertein,arms dealer, gives me the impression that Telbat is very fond of this character. There is an implication that Titus will feature maybe prominently in the next series. I loved reading about his spiritual struggle with the morality of his past and present and the effects of the Spirit working through Dowler's witness, convicting him of this. It egged me on and I found myself again, yearning and praying for his salvation. I even wondered if the angels rejoice when a fictional character accepts Christ as the Word says they do with the human race! Such is the power of story and its delivery on a reader's active imagination! I am sure God has a sense of humour!
Speaking of introducing a new character into a series, this is not the first time Telbat has done this. I can count three now. Two in this volume (Casperstein and UN humanitarian Annette Sheffield) and one in a previous one. All three have varying and diverse backgrounds, but Telbat shows they all have the same similarities. Their backgrounds have all reinforced the rebellious sinful nature that is at enmity towards God. We are all guilty of one or all what the apostle John says in his Gospel:
For everything that belongs to the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 (HCSB)
Yet, Telbat shows God doing what He does best. He shows these three characters the destructive nature of these three pitfalls and what they need to do about it. They realise their sin and act on the encouragement and conviction of the Spirit that they need Jesus in their lives to be free of their sin. It is very encouraging to see Telbat show what these three then do, become fellow missionaries and soldiers in this spiritual warfare. They go from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Light.
In this volume, Telbat has upped the hatred of God and Christians through the Hamas tactician, Carac Hassad. I found myself becoming tense and disturbed at the level of deception, hatred, bitterness that exuded from this character. Telbat has also upped the degree of political intrigue, military tactics and warfare in the Hamas' attempt to destroy Israel. These are descriptive enough to transport you there where you can almost feel the heat, the grime, the fear, the oppression, the loss of hope, and the pervasive evil from the Hamas regime. It does give the reader a definite sense of how real it must be and even more so than what real life depicts as reflected by watching the news on a daily basis on these issues.
Telbat has tied up this last volume in such a manner that has your interest remaining piqued and you wanting more so this leads in nicely to the COIL Legacy series. Looking forward to this immensely.
Strongly Recommended
World Building 5/5
Characterisation 5/5
Story 5/5
Spiritual Level 4/5
Enemy Spiritual Level 4/5
Average Rating 4.6/5
------------------------------
Reader Award Bestowment:
Spiritually, based on this review, the previous novels in the COIL series, the following reference booklet,
A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland,
and that this series contains elements of the criteria of what constitutes Christian Redemptive Fiction outlined in this booklet, I award D. I Telbat with
The Reality Calling Redemptive Speculative Fiction Award
To see this Award, go here: http://christianfictionreviewguru.blo...
Every author strives to develop further their craft with each novel. Based on this, I would expect this last one to be the best. This is definitely the case with this volume. If Telbat was to stop writing with this novel, at least he would go out with a bang. He would leave his readers with one memorable and unforgettable series. They would have been entertained, their faith strengthened, God honoured, and a seed of faith planted or watered for others. Dare I say that this standard of writing and effects is now what I am expecting in this next series? I do not have any doubt about this. What seems to feed Telbat's development of his craft is his passion for the Gospel of Christ, the Great Commission and its associated mission field.
I must confess, that I did not have much of a passion for overseas missions before reading novles of this genre. Yet, it is the writings of this author and one other, Martin Roth, who has sparked in me an increasing awareness and passion for the mission field. It is these authors and their stories that keeps me coming back for more. I am finding that I thirst to see what God does in such dire circumstances that God places these characters in. It is here, that Roth and Telbat shine in showing this through their character's expressing their faith and submission to God. Is there a spiritual lesson here for all whether we are in a persecuted Christian environment or not? Definitely, and to this point, this is where Telbat and Roth are successful in Christian fiction. They both not only entertain but show the light of Christ, the power of prayer and how to be His obedient vessels to break the oppressive nature of those governments and military regimes that are hell bent on destroying the Gospel of Christ. What better place for this spiritual war to start than with those who have placed their faith in this God?
I found this volume to be one enthralling and compelling read. In one sense it felt like Telbat had brought many character plots and relationships from previous novels into a head in this one. It was great seeing the continuing relationship beteen Dowler and Luigi Putelli continue. The latter's quest for God has had me almost praying for his salvation, despite knowing he is just a fictional character! I cried at his demise, feeling both the sadness and grief of Dowler over this and that Putelli had to suffer as he did. Yet, Telbat tempers this with the knowledge that his suffering and quest to know God was not in vain. That was a comfort for Dowler and this reader!
I am glad also to see further development in the relationship between Nathan and Chen Li and that Nathan's secret is not a secret any more.This lends itself for future plot developments that I hope I will see in this next series. I cannot help but wonder if the demise of Dowler is also deliberate to expand/develop further plot lines in this new series and help take it to the next level.
With the introduction of a new major character, any review cannot leave out a mention of who this character is. Reading about Titus Caspertein,arms dealer, gives me the impression that Telbat is very fond of this character. There is an implication that Titus will feature maybe prominently in the next series. I loved reading about his spiritual struggle with the morality of his past and present and the effects of the Spirit working through Dowler's witness, convicting him of this. It egged me on and I found myself again, yearning and praying for his salvation. I even wondered if the angels rejoice when a fictional character accepts Christ as the Word says they do with the human race! Such is the power of story and its delivery on a reader's active imagination! I am sure God has a sense of humour!
Speaking of introducing a new character into a series, this is not the first time Telbat has done this. I can count three now. Two in this volume (Casperstein and UN humanitarian Annette Sheffield) and one in a previous one. All three have varying and diverse backgrounds, but Telbat shows they all have the same similarities. Their backgrounds have all reinforced the rebellious sinful nature that is at enmity towards God. We are all guilty of one or all what the apostle John says in his Gospel:
For everything that belongs to the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 (HCSB)
Yet, Telbat shows God doing what He does best. He shows these three characters the destructive nature of these three pitfalls and what they need to do about it. They realise their sin and act on the encouragement and conviction of the Spirit that they need Jesus in their lives to be free of their sin. It is very encouraging to see Telbat show what these three then do, become fellow missionaries and soldiers in this spiritual warfare. They go from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Light.
In this volume, Telbat has upped the hatred of God and Christians through the Hamas tactician, Carac Hassad. I found myself becoming tense and disturbed at the level of deception, hatred, bitterness that exuded from this character. Telbat has also upped the degree of political intrigue, military tactics and warfare in the Hamas' attempt to destroy Israel. These are descriptive enough to transport you there where you can almost feel the heat, the grime, the fear, the oppression, the loss of hope, and the pervasive evil from the Hamas regime. It does give the reader a definite sense of how real it must be and even more so than what real life depicts as reflected by watching the news on a daily basis on these issues.
Telbat has tied up this last volume in such a manner that has your interest remaining piqued and you wanting more so this leads in nicely to the COIL Legacy series. Looking forward to this immensely.
Strongly Recommended
World Building 5/5
Characterisation 5/5
Story 5/5
Spiritual Level 4/5
Enemy Spiritual Level 4/5
Average Rating 4.6/5
------------------------------
Reader Award Bestowment:
Spiritually, based on this review, the previous novels in the COIL series, the following reference booklet,
A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland,
and that this series contains elements of the criteria of what constitutes Christian Redemptive Fiction outlined in this booklet, I award D. I Telbat with
The Reality Calling Redemptive Speculative Fiction Award
To see this Award, go here: http://christianfictionreviewguru.blo...
November 18, 2022
Audio Book--I really like this series.
In Dark Zeal, the fifth book in the COIL series, D. I. Telbat takes us into the heart and heat of Gaza, Israel. Agent Corban Dowler infiltrates Gaza City for a routine medical op but soon discovers an international plot by Hamas terrorists to destroy Israel, forcing him to respond as a soldier of Christ.
Wounded and captured, Corban gathers his wits to attempt winning over greedy arms dealer Titus Caspertein in order to save Israel from destruction. Corban's mission is further complicated when UN humanitarian American Annette Sheffield is kidnapped, and he defies government orders to stage a rescue.
Meanwhile, Luigi Putelli, ex-assassin and family guardian, searches for his friend in the war-torn city to offer his services once again. With Hamas militants closing in and the Israeli air force targeting extremists, Corban calls in other operatives to help complete his mission and prays they aren't all mistaken for terrorists.
Bullets and missiles fly all throughout this book. You'll experience tunnels, drones, and the horrors of the Gaza war zone. But where darkness seems to thrive, God has placed his eternal light in the heart of faithful servant and bold spokesman Corban Dowler. Join us for this continued saga and learn again that there is no redemption without sacrifice.
In Dark Zeal, the fifth book in the COIL series, D. I. Telbat takes us into the heart and heat of Gaza, Israel. Agent Corban Dowler infiltrates Gaza City for a routine medical op but soon discovers an international plot by Hamas terrorists to destroy Israel, forcing him to respond as a soldier of Christ.
Wounded and captured, Corban gathers his wits to attempt winning over greedy arms dealer Titus Caspertein in order to save Israel from destruction. Corban's mission is further complicated when UN humanitarian American Annette Sheffield is kidnapped, and he defies government orders to stage a rescue.
Meanwhile, Luigi Putelli, ex-assassin and family guardian, searches for his friend in the war-torn city to offer his services once again. With Hamas militants closing in and the Israeli air force targeting extremists, Corban calls in other operatives to help complete his mission and prays they aren't all mistaken for terrorists.
Bullets and missiles fly all throughout this book. You'll experience tunnels, drones, and the horrors of the Gaza war zone. But where darkness seems to thrive, God has placed his eternal light in the heart of faithful servant and bold spokesman Corban Dowler. Join us for this continued saga and learn again that there is no redemption without sacrifice.
September 18, 2023
Dark Zeal is the final installment in D.I. Telbat’s fast-paced, suspenseful COIL series.
Telbat’s writing is clean and exciting, though the realities of pain, suffering, injury and even death are woven into his stories. Those who do God’s work gain enemies who want the world to remain enslaved to darkness. Telbat recognizes there is spiritual darkness and evil as well as human evil acting in the world today. An excellent end to a fine series. I have enjoyed the COIL series and recommend it to anyone looking for clean, Christian based, suspense.
Telbat’s writing is clean and exciting, though the realities of pain, suffering, injury and even death are woven into his stories. Those who do God’s work gain enemies who want the world to remain enslaved to darkness. Telbat recognizes there is spiritual darkness and evil as well as human evil acting in the world today. An excellent end to a fine series. I have enjoyed the COIL series and recommend it to anyone looking for clean, Christian based, suspense.
July 27, 2023
√√√√√
Another GREAT series by D. I. Telbat!!!!
This amazing mind of Telbat ..... powered by the Holy Spirit of A!mighty God .... Has written another outstanding series...
Filled with mystery, intrigue and great stories and characters......
I highly recommend these books.... I think they are best read in chronological order so check publication dates and then sit back and enter the world of great Christian fiction with facts of God mixed in.
Another GREAT series by D. I. Telbat!!!!
This amazing mind of Telbat ..... powered by the Holy Spirit of A!mighty God .... Has written another outstanding series...
Filled with mystery, intrigue and great stories and characters......
I highly recommend these books.... I think they are best read in chronological order so check publication dates and then sit back and enter the world of great Christian fiction with facts of God mixed in.
December 30, 2019
what a wau t lead onto the next book
It still amazes me that after all the books I've read, by D.I. Telbat , I blessed beyond measure by reading another one. If you are looking for a book with real adventure and not some mamby pamby goody two shoe book, than this book is for you. Open it up read a bit but let me warn you you need to hang on your own faith will be tested.
It still amazes me that after all the books I've read, by D.I. Telbat , I blessed beyond measure by reading another one. If you are looking for a book with real adventure and not some mamby pamby goody two shoe book, than this book is for you. Open it up read a bit but let me warn you you need to hang on your own faith will be tested.
March 12, 2021
Just absolutely excellent!
Don’t miss this first COIL series! From beginning to end it reveals the story of Jesus while entertaining with wonderful characters that you will come to know and love. I’m so glad I have the COIL legacy to look forward to so I won’t have to miss everyone as they serve Christ wherever they are called. God bless Mr. Telbat!
Don’t miss this first COIL series! From beginning to end it reveals the story of Jesus while entertaining with wonderful characters that you will come to know and love. I’m so glad I have the COIL legacy to look forward to so I won’t have to miss everyone as they serve Christ wherever they are called. God bless Mr. Telbat!
January 15, 2024
Dark zeal
I loved this whole series! I have read all the COIL books and most of Mr Telbats other books. They inspire, challenge and bring awareness to the plight of persecuted Christians world wide and the dedication required to bring the gospel message to the world. I will miss reading these books! Might have to start over!!!
I loved this whole series! I have read all the COIL books and most of Mr Telbats other books. They inspire, challenge and bring awareness to the plight of persecuted Christians world wide and the dedication required to bring the gospel message to the world. I will miss reading these books! Might have to start over!!!
March 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this series. The characters and story flowed well. I hope there is alot more from you, because your books as well as other Christian authors have changed me in my walk with Christ. Thank you and may God bless and keep you and yours.
September 10, 2020
Gaza.
The team continues to help Christian refugees as only they can. I couldn't put this one down! I even found myself praying; not for the characters, but for the real-life people in war ravaged areas who are persecuted for their beliefs.
The team continues to help Christian refugees as only they can. I couldn't put this one down! I even found myself praying; not for the characters, but for the real-life people in war ravaged areas who are persecuted for their beliefs.
September 8, 2022
Amazing Stories!
God uses whomever will say yes. Amazing stories of courage and dedication to doing God’s will, no matter the risks to one’s self. The series are true testaments to believers around the world. Loved every book!
God uses whomever will say yes. Amazing stories of courage and dedication to doing God’s will, no matter the risks to one’s self. The series are true testaments to believers around the world. Loved every book!
April 28, 2024
Great ending to the series
Enjoyed the read. The action is suspenseful, even if a bit unrealistic. It does increase your faith. It was a great addition to introduce Titus to the story.
Enjoyed the read. The action is suspenseful, even if a bit unrealistic. It does increase your faith. It was a great addition to introduce Titus to the story.
January 25, 2019
Can't say enough good things about David Telbat his stories !
January 13, 2022
Wow! Fantastic!
March 31, 2025
Amazing Series
Every series of D.I. Telbat's books have been amazing! Full of action, love of God and true faith. Must read!
Every series of D.I. Telbat's books have been amazing! Full of action, love of God and true faith. Must read!
March 4, 2016
Dark Zeal was another great COIL read. I loved the characters and how you couldn't be sure who, if anyone, would survive. Definitely kept me in suspense!
The story was good and seemed believable. I don't know if there will be a sixth COIL book, but if so, I would read it as I've really enjoyed this series.
I recommend Dark Zeal if you like Christian suspense.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
The story was good and seemed believable. I don't know if there will be a sixth COIL book, but if so, I would read it as I've really enjoyed this series.
I recommend Dark Zeal if you like Christian suspense.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
December 13, 2014
Edge of Seat Nail Biter
Another one of Telbat's books I couldn't put down. I read it in just a day. I hope that this isn't the last of the COIL books we'll be seeing. Can't wait for the next book of his to come out in May of 2015.
Another one of Telbat's books I couldn't put down. I read it in just a day. I hope that this isn't the last of the COIL books we'll be seeing. Can't wait for the next book of his to come out in May of 2015.
March 3, 2019
Book 5 as intense as book 1
Spellbinding story telling by D.I. Telbat fighting for Christians all over the world COIL does an awesome job. With weapons that don't kill they go into situations that could be the end of them. But with God leading them in these battles they persevere.
Spellbinding story telling by D.I. Telbat fighting for Christians all over the world COIL does an awesome job. With weapons that don't kill they go into situations that could be the end of them. But with God leading them in these battles they persevere.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews